Menu
12/04/2007
Police raid former Rastafarian temple
Police have arrested 23 people during a raid on a former Rastafarian temple in south London.
Around 250 police officers carried out the raid at the premises in St Agnes Place in Kennington in the early hours of Thursday morning.
The premises - four terraced houses, topped by a Rastafarian flag - were traditionally used in the past as a Rastafarian temple.
However, it is thought that a number of suspected drug dealers have taken to selling drugs on the premises in recent months.
Police are now searching the property for drugs and firearms. It is understood that several kilos of cannabis and a quantity of crack cocaine have been seized, as well as six rounds of ammunition.
Chief Superintendent Martin Bridger, Lambeth Borough Commander, said: "As a result of the operation at St Agnes Place, 23 arrests have been made following search warrants that have been executed under the drugs and firearms legislation.
"Over the last eight weeks up to 200 people have been arrested on leaving the premises following a police investigation. Eight per cent of those arrested were found to be in possession of drugs.
"This clearly demonstrates that the premises have not been used over the last few months as a Rastafarian temple but instead have been used as premises to supply both class A and C drugs. Furthermore, some members from the temple's management have contacted the police stating that the premises have been taken over by those involved in the supply of drugs."
The buildings had been at the centre of a dispute over whether they should be demolished and Lambeth Council had been in the process of trying to find an alternative site for the temple.
(KMcA/JM)
Around 250 police officers carried out the raid at the premises in St Agnes Place in Kennington in the early hours of Thursday morning.
The premises - four terraced houses, topped by a Rastafarian flag - were traditionally used in the past as a Rastafarian temple.
However, it is thought that a number of suspected drug dealers have taken to selling drugs on the premises in recent months.
Police are now searching the property for drugs and firearms. It is understood that several kilos of cannabis and a quantity of crack cocaine have been seized, as well as six rounds of ammunition.
Chief Superintendent Martin Bridger, Lambeth Borough Commander, said: "As a result of the operation at St Agnes Place, 23 arrests have been made following search warrants that have been executed under the drugs and firearms legislation.
"Over the last eight weeks up to 200 people have been arrested on leaving the premises following a police investigation. Eight per cent of those arrested were found to be in possession of drugs.
"This clearly demonstrates that the premises have not been used over the last few months as a Rastafarian temple but instead have been used as premises to supply both class A and C drugs. Furthermore, some members from the temple's management have contacted the police stating that the premises have been taken over by those involved in the supply of drugs."
The buildings had been at the centre of a dispute over whether they should be demolished and Lambeth Council had been in the process of trying to find an alternative site for the temple.
(KMcA/JM)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
17 October 2003
54 arrested in swoop on suspected drug dealers
Sellers of the Big Issue were among 54 people arrested by Merseyside Police today in a crackdown on drug dealing in Liverpool city centre. Operation Manton targeted suspected drug dealers and drug users and 50 men and four women were arrested following a 15-month long investigation by Merseyside Police into drug dealing on the city's streets.
54 arrested in swoop on suspected drug dealers
Sellers of the Big Issue were among 54 people arrested by Merseyside Police today in a crackdown on drug dealing in Liverpool city centre. Operation Manton targeted suspected drug dealers and drug users and 50 men and four women were arrested following a 15-month long investigation by Merseyside Police into drug dealing on the city's streets.
25 September 2015
Further Six Arrested In No Deal Operation In Birmingham
A further six people have been arrested as part of an ongoing operation targeting suspected drug dealers in Birmingham. Police carried out a series of dawn raids on Thursday 24 September, arresting a 17-year-old man, two 19-year-olds and three men aged 21, 26 and 47.
Further Six Arrested In No Deal Operation In Birmingham
A further six people have been arrested as part of an ongoing operation targeting suspected drug dealers in Birmingham. Police carried out a series of dawn raids on Thursday 24 September, arresting a 17-year-old man, two 19-year-olds and three men aged 21, 26 and 47.
23 July 2008
Drug Abuse Accounts For 'A Third Of Death', Says Report
Drug abuse accounts for a third of the deaths behind Scotland's higher mortality rate, according to a study published on bmj.com. Death rates in Scotland are higher than in England and Wales and the difference between the nations is increasing. Traditionally this has been blamed on the higher levels of deprivation in Scotland.
Drug Abuse Accounts For 'A Third Of Death', Says Report
Drug abuse accounts for a third of the deaths behind Scotland's higher mortality rate, according to a study published on bmj.com. Death rates in Scotland are higher than in England and Wales and the difference between the nations is increasing. Traditionally this has been blamed on the higher levels of deprivation in Scotland.
23 May 2006
Panel supports drug 'shooting galleries'
Drug consumption rooms should be given a trial in Britain, a panel of experts has said.
Panel supports drug 'shooting galleries'
Drug consumption rooms should be given a trial in Britain, a panel of experts has said.
27 February 2008
Government Announces New Drugs Strategy
Home Secretary Jacqui Smith has unveiled the Government's new 10-year drugs strategy.
Government Announces New Drugs Strategy
Home Secretary Jacqui Smith has unveiled the Government's new 10-year drugs strategy.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
