DRUGS DEN WAS IN USE FOR A YEAR

A FORTIFIED drug den in the heart of London's West End, uncovered by police
on Tuesday, had been operating for a year, officers said yesterday (Adrian
Lee writes). Drugs worth UKP100,000 were recovered, 44 people were arrested
and UKP70,000 was seized in a raid involving 500 officers.

In the maze of rooms in the four-storey, unlicensed Back Beat Club, police
encountered reinforced steel doors and windows sealed by concrete blocks.
They were forced to use abseiling ropes and had to break in through the
roof.

The club had been kept under surveillance for five months before police went
in during the rush-hour, sealing off much of the West End. Scores of police
in body armour surrounded the building while sledgehammers were used to
smash through a fortified window at roof level. Stun grenades were fired as
suspects were seized.

Michael Todd, the Deputy Assistant Commander, said that the unprecedented
number of officers was required because of the labyrinthine nature of the
building. Police expected resistance, but they said that their shock tactics
gave them the initiative and there was no violence.

Several weapons were recovered. Although it was early evening, there were
150 people inside the club. At peak times, that number swells to more than
500.

An office worker who watched the raid said: "It was like a military
operation. Armed police came quick-marching into the alley and people were
abseiling down the walls."

Police said it could be two days before the search of the club was
completed. Several safes remain to be opened.

Checked-by: Don Beck