POLICE spotted taping off the pavement outside a Cowley Road shop last night were carrying out a drugs raid.

The warrant was carried out under Section 23 of the Misuse of Drugs Act, according to Thames Valley Police.

Last night, an eye witness spotted a police van outside a Cowley Road shop, with officers leading two men away.

Oxford Mail:

A police statement said the raid was part of ongoing work to tackle drug crime in the local area.

A 'large quantity' of cannabis plants were discovered and have been seized.

A 33-year-old man of no fixed abode and a 23-year-old man from London were arrested and are in police custody at this time.

PC Alex Locke, of the Neighbourhood Policing Team, based at Cowley police station, said: “Officers this evening have carried out a warrant in Cowley Road as part of our ongoing commitment to tackling drug crime in the Thames Valley.

“A scene watch is in place whilst we carry out enquiries and conduct our investigation.

“I’d like to extend my thanks to the neighbouring businesses for their patience whilst we carried out this warrant."

Oxford Mail:

He added: “I would also like to remind members of the public that if you have any information or suspicions about drug crime, please always make a report to Thames Valley Police online or by calling 101.

“You can also call Crimestoppers 100% anonymously on 0800 555 111 or contact them via their website.”

Cowley Road residents gave a slightly different version of events to the police account when the Oxford Mail visited the scene this morning.

One man, who did not want to be named, said the matter had been reported to the authorities weeks ago and the men had cleared out around a month ago.

“The person who was selling this stuff left last month,” he told the Mail.