Police and sniffer dogs swooped on a Sutton town centre pub and a family home this afternoon in a targetted operation.

About 40 officers wearing protective clothing surrounded the Red Lion pub, near Halfords, at about 3pm and carried out the raid.

All drinkers in the premises were strip-searched for drugs and three men were arrested on suspicion of possession of drugs.

At the same time, two males and one female were arrested at a property on Brunswick Road, which officers said was linked to the pub.

All were arrested on suspicion of possesion of drugs, but one was also arrested on suspicion of a further offence, of possession with intent to supply.

A helicopter from air support unit was drafted in to help in the operation.

Sergeant Mark Dolice said the operation had been a success.

He said: “This is the result of two months work.

“This sort of operation is massively important because no doubt the community has a rough idea of what’s going on and it shows we are acting on their information.”

A police spokesman said the pub has been closed until further notice.

He urged anyone with information about the Red Lion pub to call Sutton Police Station on 0300 123 1212 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111