Police arrested 17 people today in 22 drugs raids across Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire.

Those arrested were being held on suspicion of various offences, including conspiracy to supply controlled drugs, possession of controlled drugs with intent to supply and money laundering.

The 17 people arrested include 12 men, aged 45, 43, 46, 62, 49, 50, 28, 43, 42, 23, 42, and 30 and five women, aged 28, 32, 38, 43, and 51.

Officers recovered class-A and class-B controlled drugs (cocaine and cannabis), cash, and a CS gas canister.

Police said the operation was conducted by the Serious and Organised Crime Unit (SOCU).

Det Supt David Poole, who led 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.”

Chief Supt Brendan O’Dowda, Oxfordshire Commander, said: “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 related crime and that we are putting the organised criminal and crime syndicates firmly on the back foot.”

The warrants were carried out under the Misuse of Drugs Act at the following addresses:

  • Arncott Road, Murcott
  • Roman Way, Bicester
  • Ash Grove, Headington
  • Monument Business Park, Chalgrove
  • Radcliffe Road, Oxford
  • Townsend Square, Oxford Franklin Close, Haddenham
  • Holton, Wheatley
  • Balfour Road, Blackbird Leys
  • The Avenue, Worminghall
  • Church Road, Wheatley
  • London Road, Headington
  • Rutten Lane, Yarnton
  • Burgan Close, Cowley
  • Windmill Lane, Wheatley
  • Wootton Road, Wootton
  • Randolph Avenue, Woodstock
  • Two addresses in Cuddesdon Road, Horspath
  • Ferry Road, Marston
  • Banbury Road, Woodstock
  • Old London Road, Wheatley