Seven arrests in early morning drugs raids across South London and Kent

Seven people were arrested in early morning raids yesterday, targeting drugs and associated violence.

Police officers from the Met’s Violent Crime Taskforce carried out seven warrants at 5am in an operation to arrest individuals involved in county lines drugs supply across South London and Kent.

The warrants were the culmination of an investigation into county lines drugs supply which began in May.

Detectives believe the individuals arrested have been exploiting young people to courier drugs out of London.

Those arrested were classed a high harm offenders, where they have links to violence or have a violent background.

Officers have implemented safeguarding measures around any victims of exploitation, along with partners and the local authority.

The operation resulted in Seven arrests for offences including conspiracy to supply class A drugs, possession of criminal property and modern slavery, about £20,000 cash seized, class A and B drugs found and the recovery of a knife during a search of an address in South Norwood.

Detective Constable Ray Sekalongo, of the VCTF investigation team, said: “There is undoubtedly a link between drugs and violence, and this investigation proves that.

“Those arrested this morning as part of our drive to apprehend high harm offenders are gang members or have links to gangs, they are incredibly dangerous and cause destruction in our communities.

“We will continue to work closely with colleagues from other forces, partner agencies and the community to dismantle drug dealing networks. Tackling violence is our top priority.

“I urge anyone, if something doesn’t feel right, it may not be. If you have information about any criminality in your area, contact police, or Crimestoppers, so that we can take proactive action – your information is invaluable to us and could help a child or vulnerable person.”

The arrests made were:

• A 26-year-old man from Lambeth was arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of class A drugs and modern slavery
• A 22-year-old man from South Norwood was arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of class A drugs and modern slavery
• An 18-year-old man from Lambeth was arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs and modern slavery
• A 22-year-old man from Croydon was arrested on suspicion of being in possession of criminal property and possession of cannabis
• A 19-year-old man from Croydon was arrested on suspicion of possession of Class A with intent and possession of criminal property
• A 21-year-old woman from Chatham, Kent was arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs
• A 40-year-old man from Chatham, Kent was arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs.

They all remain in police custody while the investigation continues.