Operation Marsican cumulated in the arrest of 19 people.

Hackney Police, in conjunction with Hackney Council and UK Border Agency, have successfully completed a four-month operation in Ridley Road and Dalston Junction, E8, aimed at tackling class A drug dealing in the area.

Tuesday saw the arrest phase, which culminated in the following results:

• 19 arrested for a variety of immigration and drug-related offences, including possession with intent to supply class A drugs
• an additional arrest for immigration offences only and
• a large quantity of class A drugs seized.

Yesterday, officers were in the area to provide reassurance to residents, visitors, businesses and traders, and to explain the impact of the action.

Chief Superintendent Steve Bending, Borough Commander of Hackney Police, said “Operation Marsican has been a fully collaborative effort, with positive feedback from residents and businesses in the area.

“By using a combination of enforcement and intervention, we are aiming to reduce anti-social activities such as drug dealing, drug taking, and the associated criminality that goes hand-in-hand with the supply of illegal substances.”

The four-month investigation was led by Operation Bantam, Hackney Police’s proactive drugs and firearms squad. Also supporting the operation were the Council’s CCTV unit, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), Dalston Safer Neighbourhoods policing team, and the Metropolitan Police’s Territorial Support Group, dog unit, and air support team.