Major drugs operation sees 23 arrested thanks to Met crackdown

Met officers executed multiple warrants, recovering large amounts of Class A and B drugs and detaining 23 suspects during a series of raids on Thursday, 5 February.

In addition to the arrests, a large quantity of Class A and B drugs were seized, alongside five firearms, a samurai sword, ten prohibited weapons, two high-powered surron bikes and a substantial amount of cash.

Overnight, 15 properties believed to be linked to organised crime groups were raided across Merton, as the Met continues its targeting of the drugs gangs who ruin lives and drive serious violence.

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.

Furthermore, two addresses were served a Closure Notice to mitigate the risk of further offending and deny criminals the use of premises.

Officers were acting on intelligence that people within the addresses were involved in serious criminality, such as drug dealing, serious violence, and cuckooing.

The activity highlights the Met’s mission to make local communities safer, tackling drug dealing and its associated violence.

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.

“Our Safer Neighbourhood Teams are ramping up activity - carrying out more manhunts and seizing more illegal cash, guns, and ammunition- because this criminality tears families apart. I hope this activity shows our relentlessness in taking the fight to those responsible.

“We are committed to community crime fighting and targeting offenders who seek to cause harm or exploit vulnerable people. In addition to today’s activity, we have undertaken several pre-planned operations to target criminality and reduce violence and will continue to do so.”

The Met released new figures last month which showed its sustained crackdown on violence is working, with serious violence in the capital down and homicides at a record low.

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.”

Serious and organised crime groups were disrupted over 21,200 times in 2025, an increase of 63% compared to the previous year. While 3,570 guns and weapons were seized. These disruptions are getting drugs and weapons off the streets and putting offenders before the courts.

Police Sergeant James Peppitt added: “I am tremendously proud that our Safer Neighbourhood Teams were supported by the wider Met today. Together we are fighting community crime and tackling the issues that matter most to our communities.

“We remain grateful to the community for all their support and hope today shows local residents that we are listening to their concerns and taking appropriate action”

The overnight activity in Mitcham aims to further protect communities from these dangerous groups and drive down serious violence.

If you have any concerns about criminal activity in your local area then please come forward to police, you can dial 999 in an emergency or 101 to report a crime. You can also call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 to remain anonymous.