Police arrest 23 suspects after overnight raids across Merton, seizing drugs, firearms, prohibited weapons, bikes, and large sums of cash.
A large-scale drugs crackdown has resulted in the arrest of 23 people following a series of coordinated police raids across the London Borough of Merton.
Officers carried out overnight operations on Thursday, February 5, targeting multiple addresses believed to be linked to organised crime groups. The action led to the seizure of significant quantities of Class A and B drugs, five firearms, a samurai sword, ten prohibited weapons, two high-powered Sur-Ron bikes, and a substantial amount of cash.
In total, 15 properties were searched, with Closure Notices later issued for two of the locations.
Inspector Kevin Chambers, who oversaw the operation, said more than 300 officers were deployed, including uniformed constables, specialist entry teams, dog units, the Territorial Support Group, and custody officers.
“This was a coordinated show of strength and precision,” he said. “It marks a significant step in disrupting the supply chains and criminal networks responsible for serious violence, fear, and intimidation across our city.”
He added that Safer Neighbourhood Teams are increasing enforcement activity, including targeted manhunts and the seizure of illegal weapons, cash, and ammunition, to address criminality that devastates families and communities.
Police confirmed the 23 suspects were arrested on suspicion of offences including drug supply, possession of firearms and offensive weapons, handling criminal property, and modern slavery-related crimes.
A Metropolitan Police spokesperson said officers executed multiple warrants after receiving intelligence linking the targeted addresses to serious criminal activity, including drug dealing, violence, and cuckooing.
“The operation underscores the Met’s commitment to tackling drug crime and the violence associated with it,” the spokesperson said. “The overnight raids in Mitcham are part of ongoing efforts to protect communities and reduce serious violence.”
Detective Superintendent Ian Cameron described the action as a direct strike against organised drug networks, which he said fuel violent crime and exploit vulnerable individuals.
“These coordinated operations disrupt those networks head-on,” he said, adding that police disrupted serious and organised crime groups more than 21,200 times in 2025 — a 63% increase on the previous year — while seizing 3,570 firearms and weapons.
Police Sergeant James Peppitt also praised the collaborative effort, saying local Safer Neighbourhood Teams were strongly supported by wider Met resources.
“Together, we are tackling the issues that matter most to our communities,” he said. “We hope today’s action reassures residents that we are listening and taking decisive action.”
