Twelve firearms and £340,000 worth of drugs seized in Met police crackdown in Merton

Twelve firearms and £340,000 worth of drugs have been seized by police during a major police operation in Merton .

The Met sent 270 officers to assist a community police project in Mitcham which lasted for six months and saw 40 people arrested.

Reviewing the initiative on Friday , the force said that 40 bladed and offensive weapons were seized while, as well as the drugs, and £85,000 worth of cash was taken.

Inspector Kevin Chambers said the cash was likely the proceeds of crime.

“Our priority is the safety of the community in Mitcham,” he said.

“We will continue to deliver tailored operations to tackle the issues that matter most to them.

“I am pleased with the results from the operation over a short time. Our efforts are ongoing. I hope the arrests send a firm message to offenders that we are committed to removing them from the community to protect our neighbourhoods.”

The Met’s operation involved number plate recognition, weapon sweeps, and high visibility patrols in hotspots areas to prevent violence and reduce crime.

Operation Hessian, as it was known, also saw officers carry out 32 early morning warrants across Merton borough.

Sergeant Matt Jones added: “I am tremendously proud of how our teams across the Met have come together to tackle local crime affecting our communities' quality of life.

“We remain focussed on working alongside communities to crack down on organised criminality and serious violence in the area.

“Merton neighbourhood officers remain focused to deliver for the community and re-build trust and confidence in local policing.”

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