Met Police smash major drug network, arrest 23 In overnight raids

A major overnight drugs crackdown by the Metropolitan Police has led to the arrest of 23 suspects and the seizure of large quantities of Class A and Class B drugs, firearms and cash across parts of London.

The operation, carried out on Thursday, February 5, 2026, saw officers execute multiple warrants on 15 properties believed to be linked to organised crime groups, particularly in Merton, as part of the Met’s intensified campaign against drug gangs and serious violence.

Police said the raids resulted in the recovery of five firearms, a samurai sword, 10 prohibited weapons, two high-powered Surron bikes, and a substantial amount of cash, alongside significant drug hauls. Two of the premises were also issued Closure Notices to prevent further criminal activity and deny offenders access to the locations.

According to the Met, those arrested face a range of offences, including drug supply, possession of firearms, possession of offensive weapons, handling criminal property, and modern-day slavery. Officers were acting on intelligence linking occupants of the addresses to serious criminality, including drug dealing, violent crime and cuckooing—where vulnerable people’s homes are taken over by criminal gangs.

Inspector Kevin Chambers, who led the operation, said the raids demonstrated a coordinated show of force involving more than 300 officers, including rapid-entry teams, dog units, the Territorial Support Group and custody staff.

“This is a significant step in cutting the supply chains and criminal networks that inflict serious violence, fear and intimidation across our city,” Chambers said, adding that Safer Neighbourhood Teams were stepping up activity to seize illegal cash, guns and ammunition.

He said the operation was part of the Met’s broader commitment to community crime-fighting and protecting vulnerable people exploited by criminal networks.

Detective Superintendent Ian Cameron said drug networks continued to fuel serious violence and that the coordinated operation was aimed at disrupting those drivers directly.

“We’re acting on the concerns of our communities and staying firmly committed to safer streets,” Cameron said.

The Met said recent figures show its sustained crackdown on violence is yielding results, with serious violence down across the capital and homicides at a record low. In 2025, serious and organised crime groups were disrupted more than 21,200 times, representing a 63 per cent increase compared with the previous year, while 3,570 guns and weapons were seized.

Police Sergeant James Peppitt said the operation reflected strong collaboration between local Safer Neighbourhood Teams and specialist units.

“We are listening to our communities and taking action on the issues that matter most to them,” he said.

Police said the overnight activity, particularly in Mitcham, was aimed at further protecting residents from dangerous criminal groups and driving down serious violence, while urging members of the public to continue reporting suspicious activity through police channels or anonymously via Crimestoppers.