DOZENS of police officers raided Face Nightclub in Gants Hill last night, arresting 11 people.

The raid took place after weeks of meticulous planning, and following intelligence to suggest the sale of class A drugs in the area.

Officers entered the Cranbrook Road club at about 11.15pm where they arrested 11 people in connection with the raids and seized a quantity of Class A drugs. Those arrrested remain in custody at East London police stations.

Police are now seeking the relevant authority to keep Faces nightclub closed for the forseeable future.

The operation was designed to clamp down on Class A drugs being bought and sold in the Gants Hill area.

Superintendent Bryan Horsley, who led the operation from Ilford police station, said: "Following intelligenc we were able to establish that quantities of cocaine and ectasy had been bought and sold quite openly at Faces nightclub.

"This evening's raid and subsequent arrests demonstrate how seriously we take drug-related crime and how determined we are to rid Redbridge borough of drugs."

He added: "The operation today, linked with earlier arrests, will have a significant impact of the supply of Class A drugs in the Gants Hill area and will act as a further warning to anyone involved in the dealing of drugs that we will arrest those responsible."

Anyone with information about drug crime should contact police or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.