A MASSIVE operation led to the arrest of what police say are some of Enfield's most prolific and dangerous alleged drug dealers.

Masterminded by the crime squad at Enfield, Operation Swordfish was the culmination of six weeks of intensive undercover work by officers to detect suspected dealers at several of their most frequent haunts in the borough.

The exercise, which took place on Wednesday, lasted all day and concentrated on five key areas opposite Ponders End police station, Northfield Road, off Hertford Road, outside the Argos shop in Fore Street and the A406 road near the Lidl store.

It has been hailed as a great success by police chiefs and the results, a total of 18 arrests, surpassed the officers' expectations.

DI Dave McKelvey, who led the exercise, said: "It was very successful.

"It is very unusual to catch the number of people we caught on the day.

"These people are without doubt the main suppliers in their particular areas at street level."

He added: "It is the first time that anything like this has been done in the borough of Enfield."

All those arrested are accused of being involved with dangerous class A drugs crack cocaine and heroin, and subsequent searches of their homes and other premises uncovered large quantities of crack cocaine, a loaded handgun, cash, jewellery, cars and other drug dealing equipment.

The crime squad also deals with robberies, street crime and burglaries.

DI McKelvey said he believed that there was a very strong link between drugs and other crime, and estimated that up to 80 per cent of the most prolific burglars were addicted to crack cocaine or heroin.

He said this week: "Since we did that job, there has been a dramatic decrease in burglary and robbery well under 50 per cent of the normal figure.

"This shows there is a link between drugs and burglary and street crime."

Superintendent Sultan Taylor, deputy borough commander, said: "It was a very successful operation which required lots of hard work by my officers and assistance from the community.

"We intend to continue our proactive stance on drug dealers in the borough and I want to send a message that any drug supplier will be severely dealt with by Enfield police."

A total of 15 of the alleged dealers were charged, 14 of whom have appeared in court. Three others have been released on police bail.

July 18, 2002 16:30