POLICE raided homes and arrested 19 people from Bracknell and London this morning following an investigation into the trade of Class A drugs by organised gangs. 

An investigation by the Thames Valley Police Serious and Organised Crime Unit has found addresses around Bracknell, Wokingham, Ascot and Reading have become a target of gangs from London to use as a base for drug-dealing. 

Known as cuckooing, police believe a London-based criminal gang is sending so-called 'runners' into Bracknell to scout out vulnerable drug users whose homes they can use as a base from which to sell class A drugs.

Taking the house keys, the gang run their illicit business from the house leaving the residents with no say in what goes on or who visits. 

Today's raids saw 26 search warrants executed as part of the ongoing Operation Rickon.

Head of SOCU, Det Supt Nick John, said: "Cuckooing enables the organised crime group to expand their operations into more rural areas, setting up a secure base and using runners to conduct day-to-day dealing whilst control of the ‘business’ is based in their own locality.

"The illegal drugs trade has a devastating impact on a community and the operation today is part of the Thames Valley Police crackdown on such criminal activity.

"We have also been working with our local partner agencies to offer support to those affected by the illegal drugs network."

Officers arrested 19 people on suspicion of drugs offences as a result of the raids and they are currently in custody and being questioned by police. 
Police commander for Bracknell and Wokingham, Supt Rob France said:

"Thames Valley Police will not tolerate this criminal activity in our communities and as the operation today demonstrates, we will take robust action to end it and to bring those responsible to justice.

“Residents of Bracknell and Wokingham may well be shocked to hear that this type of organised crime is happening in their town. They may already have been affected by the significant issues that London-based organised crime gangs and drug dealers moving into the area can cause.

“The action taken today shows we are working hard to prevent it. The warrants are the culmination of significantly increased police activity which has been targeting the issue since it was first identified."
Supt France urged anyone affected by illegal drugs to contact police. 

A one-stop shop is available to anyone who needs support with substance misuse, housing and employment at Breakthrough, 9 Rectory, Easthampstead, Bracknell from Tuesday, July 19 from 2pm to 4pm and Wednesday 20 and Thursday 21 from 11.30am to 1.30pm. 

Contact police on 101 to report suspected illegal activity and drug-dealing.