Firearms and a samurai sword were seized by police and 23 suspects arrested in a ‘significant’ operation to disrupt crime gangs operating in the capital.
The weapons were found alongside large amounts of Class A and B drugs and cash as 15 properties across Merton in south-west London were raided.
23 people were arrested for a range of offences including the supply of drugs, possession of firearms, possession of offensive weapons, possession of criminal property and modern-day slavery offences.
Five firearms, the sword, 10 ten prohibited weapons, two high-powered surron bikes and a substantial amount of cash were also seized.
Officers were acting on intelligence that people within the addresses were involved in serious criminality, such as drug dealing, serious violence, and cuckooing.
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Two addresses were served a Closure Notice to mitigate the risk of further offending and deny criminals the use of premises.
The Met said the operation was an example of a 63 per cent increase in the targeting of organised crime groups in London in the past year. Some 3,570 guns and weapons have been seized.
Inspector Kevin Chambers, who led the operation, said: “The operation unfolded with the power of over 300 officers working in unison — police constables, rapid‑entry specialists, dog units, the Territorial Support Group and custody teams — a coordinated show of strength and precision.
“This is a significant step in cutting the supply chains and criminal networks that inflict serious violence, fear, and intimidation across our city.”
Detective Superintendent Ian Cameron added: “Drug networks fuel serious violence and today’s coordinated operation disrupts those drivers head‑on. We’re protecting vulnerable people who are exploited within these networks, acting on the concerns of our communities and staying firmly committed to safer streets.”
