POLICE arrested 14 people on drugs charges today after a series of dawn raids.

Officers raided 14 homes in Oxfordshire simultaneously targeting the supply of drugs and seized £10,000 worth of cocaine.

Other raids were carried out in Hampshire, Wiltshire and Berkshire.

Supt Brendan O'Dowda, Oxford's police commander, said: "Thames Valley Police, the Metropolitan Police Service, Hampshire Constabulary and Wiltshire Police have been working in collaboration to bring about these key raids and arrests.

"The impact of organised crime syndicates is significant on a regional and local level. Their illegal activities not only create crime and misery but causes drug addiction amongst our young and most vulnerable people.

"It threatens the safety and cohesiveness of our diverse and vibrant communities in Oxford. Today's activity is evidence that we are working hard to protect our public from drug -elated crime and that we are putting the organised criminal and crime syndicates firmly on the back foot."

The 23 warrants were carried out by Thames Valley Police Organised Crime Group, supported by officers from the Oxfordshire Basic Command Unit.

They followed a lengthy investigation by the group into an organised crime syndicate, believed to be dealing in class-A drugs.

Officers from Thames Valley Police were supported by officers from Hampshire Constabulary, the Metropolitan Police Service and Wiltshire Police.

Police arrested 14 men were arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to supply class-A drugs.

A substantial amount drugs paraphernalia and cash were seized.

Det Supt David Poole, overseeing the operation, said: "Today's arrests are the culmination of an extensive investigation by Thames Valley Police.

"We will take any action necessary to stop the supply of illegal and dangerous drugs, which cause so much harm to our communities. My message is if you are involved in selling illegal drugs we will be coming to get you next."

The warrants were executed at the following addresses:

  • Stowford Road, Oxford
  • Crowell Road, Oxford
  • Mendip Heights, Didcot (a 34-year-old-man was arrested)
  • Kestrel Crescent, Oxford (a 34-year-old-man was arrested)
  • Troy Close, Oxford (a 26-year-old man was arrested)
  • Garsington Road, Oxford (a 24-year-old man was arrested)
  • Wood Farm Road, Oxford
  • Sage Close, Banbury
  • Arthray Road, Oxford (a 35-year-old man was arrested)
  • The Paddocks, Deddington (a 26-year-old and a 30-year-old were arrested)
  • South Bar, Banbury
  • Cowley Road, Oxford
  • Margaret Road, Oxford (a 26-year-old and a 28-year-old were arrested)
  • Valley Road, Banbury (a 29-year-old man was arrested)
  • Raglan Gardens, Reading (a 29-year-old man was arrested)
  • Lynchford Road, Farnborough (a 30-year-old man was arrested)
  • Stamshaw Road, Portsmouth
  • Pasters Court, Enfield
  • Autumn Close, Enfield
  • Tower Point, Enfield
  • Celandine Way, Chippenham
  • Pendennis Road, Swindon
  • Brunel Crescent, Swindon (a 25-year-old was arrested) Another man was also arrested at an address in Grenfield, Enfield.