Armed police seize guns and cocaine in raid on south London drug gang following string of shootings

Police seized guns and ammunition in a raid on a drugs gang who were being hunted after a string of shootings.

Armed officers stormed a property in Mitcham, South London, after four firearms incidents in the area over a year.

They seized a double-barrelled shotgun and three pistols, a thousand wraps of cocaine , and numerous mobile phones in the raid on 7 June.

Specialist officers joined forces with local neighbourhood police teams who had been investigating the shootings.

Detectives charged one man for possession of a firearm and possession of ammunition and he remains in custody.

The remaining four people arrested were released on bail.

Superintendent Luke Mooney, Merton Neighbourhood’s Lead, said: “This incredible achievement of the collective neighbourhood team will have a profound impact on the quality of life for people in Mitcham.

“The teamwork across departments including local Proactive, Community Support and Neighbourhood Officers, Specialist Crime, National Police Air Service, and Dog Units was one of the best collaborative efforts I have seen in my career.

“The team courageously put themselves in harm’s way to keep the public safe in an excellent example of the wider Met leaning in to support community crime fighting.”

Inspector Kevin Chambers, who helped lead the operation, said: “I am incredibly proud of my officers and staff for their ongoing commitment and resilience to reducing crime and building trust.

“These warrants have removed firearms and drugs from our community which we know fuels the violence on our streets and has a devastating and lasting impact on victims.

“The officers involved are to be commended for their dedication and bravery, which has resulted in making Mitcham a safer place.”

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