COPS in the East End have charged 12 suspected dealers and seized class A drugs with an estimated street value of �6,000 following an operation to tackle drug pushing in Brick Lane.

Officers from the Met’s Territorial Support Group raided nine flats in the East End yesterday (Thursday) and arrested 12 people.

They appeared at Thames Magistrates’ Court this morning (Friday) charged with offences connected to the supply of class A drugs.

Tower Hamlets police say, with help from council officers, they have been collecting intelligence on suspected Brick Lane drug dealers and have targeted specific individuals.

Detective Inspector McHugh from Tower Hamlets police said “We responded to concerns from residents and businesses in this area that drug dealing was having a significant impact upon their daily lives.

“In addition we recognise that enforcement will also reduce crime committed in the local area to fund the purchase of illegal drugs.”

The 12 charged are Rafi Khan, 23, of Brick Lane, Mohammed Nura Hassan, 26, of Glenparke Road, Forest Gate, Mohammed Haydor Miah, 19, of Tarling Street, Shdawell, Muraduz Zaman, 20, and Mohammed Farhaduz, 19, both of Florida Street, Bethnal Green, Habibul Islam, 18, of Tent Street, Bethnal Green, Shah Ahmed, 18, of Darling Row, Whietchapel, Sharif Khan, 26, of Hathaway Crescent, East Ham, Ashikur Rahman, 18, of Palissy Street, Bethnal Green, Marjam Ahmed, 21, of Tiber Close, Bow, a 16-year-old boy from Stepney and a 17-year-old boy from Stepney.