Cops in dawn drugs raid

COPS prepare to strike a blow for justice . . . as they get ready to batter down the door of a suspected drug dealer.

The swoop was one of a string of dawn raids across Glasgow this week that delivered a hammer blow to organised crime.

Officers in stab-proof vests, helmets and fire-resistant overalls crept noiselessly along the 16th floor corridor of a high-rise in the city's Knightswood.

Then the door was sent flying off its hinges as the drugs squad team burst in, shouting one word: "Police!"

Inside a woman screamed in shock. She had good reason. Officers found she was hiding a "substantial" stash of narcotics.

A 53-year-old woman will appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court tomorrow morning in connection with the find.

That raid, at 6.55am, was just one of a series in a 24-hour crime crackdown known as Operation Fleet.

And the News of the World was there to witness the "turns" - police speak for raids.

After Knightswood, the team moved on to Glasgow city centre to surprise a sleeping hood and his partner. The 34-year-old and his 17-year-old lover clearly weren't expecting the visit.

They'll also appear in court tomorrow on drugs charges. Operation Fleet targets specific areas with a zero tolerance approach.

And this week's blitz centred on Strathclyde Police's A Division, which covers Glasgow's city centre and the bustling west end district.

British Transport cops, council staff and immigration staff joined a 200-strong team from the force.

They also focused on the city's underground system, with passengers passing through metal detectors to nab knife-carrying yobs. Sniffer dogs were also deployed.

Commuters backed the scheme and praised cops for getting tough on troublemakers. One traveller said: "It's good to see the police acting, it sends out the right message."

Cops and Border Agency staff also hit packed pubs looking for illegal immigrants. And uniformed bobbies patrolled buses to track down knife-wielding gang members.

Traffic officers also carried out a string of checks on private hire taxis. Overall, there were 16 arrests and scores of fixed penalty notices were given out for minor offences.

Chief Superintendent Anne McGuire, the senior officer in charge, insisted the raids had been a "resounding success". She added: "The purpose of these events is to show criminals they have no place to hide. That's what we've achieved today."

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