A MAN has been jailed for 18 months after police made a major drugs raid at a busy train station.

Saadat Agah, of Forest Road, Walthamstow, was sent to prison yesterday at Blackfriars Crown Court for conspiracy to supply cocaine.

The 20-year-old and 15 others were arrested by British Transport Police during an early morning sting operation at Ilford rail station on Thursday, September 1.

Police launched a long-term initiative, called Operation Parish, in February, to keep the station free from drug dealing and anti-social behaviour.

Speaking after the drugs bust, BTP detective chief inspector, Sam Blackburn said: “The raids send a clear message to those involved in criminal and anti-social behaviour, that we will pursue them relentlessly.

“It also reassures the travelling public and the local community that together with our partners in the MPS and the local authority, we are working tirelessly to make the station and the area around it a hostile place for any criminals to operate.”