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Rastafarian temple search goes on Rastafarian temple search goes on
(about 5 hours later)
Police officers are spending a second day searching a former Rastafarian temple in south London which is thought to have been used as a drugs "market". Police officers are spending a second day searching a Rastafarian temple in south London which is thought to have been used as a drugs "market".
Up to 100 armed officers raided the 32-room property in St Agnes Place, Kennington, and arrested 23 people.Up to 100 armed officers raided the 32-room property in St Agnes Place, Kennington, and arrested 23 people.
Several kilograms of cannabis, some crack cocaine and ammunition were found inside, said police.Several kilograms of cannabis, some crack cocaine and ammunition were found inside, said police.
The management committee said the centre was no longer used as a temple but the chaplain disputed the claim.The management committee said the centre was no longer used as a temple but the chaplain disputed the claim.
Alerted by managersAlerted by managers
Police said 24-hour surveillance of the centre over the past six months had revealed it was being used as a drugs "market".Police said 24-hour surveillance of the centre over the past six months had revealed it was being used as a drugs "market".
Up to 600 people a day visited the centre, mostly buying drugs, according to police.Up to 600 people a day visited the centre, mostly buying drugs, according to police.
The temple was in use seven days a week Seymour Mclean, chaplain Anger at temple raidThe temple was in use seven days a week Seymour Mclean, chaplain Anger at temple raid
A senior officer said the rooms inside were dedicated to different types of drugs and it is thought firearms were stored there.A senior officer said the rooms inside were dedicated to different types of drugs and it is thought firearms were stored there.
Ch Supt Martin Bridger said they were alerted by managers at the temple who said it had been taken over by a small number of drug dealers.Ch Supt Martin Bridger said they were alerted by managers at the temple who said it had been taken over by a small number of drug dealers.
He said it was no longer used as a place of worship. A police spokesman said parts of the building were still being used as a temple.
However, the temple's chaplain Seymour Mclean said that people had been worshipping there up until the night before the raid. The temple's chaplain Seymour Mclean said that people had been worshipping there up until the night before the raid.
He said: "What the police and council say is not always correct. The temple was in use seven days a week. I lead prayers there myself.He said: "What the police and council say is not always correct. The temple was in use seven days a week. I lead prayers there myself.
"Usually we would get about 25 people. On the night before the raid we had a meeting.""Usually we would get about 25 people. On the night before the raid we had a meeting."
The people arrested are still being questioned and the search is expected to last three days.The people arrested are still being questioned and the search is expected to last three days.