300 Officers Storm London Properties to Rescue Vulnerable People Trapped by Drug Gangs

Vulnerable people exploited by criminal networks were rescued during a major police operation that saw 300 officers storm 15 properties across Merton linked to organised crime groups, with two addresses immediately shut down to prevent further exploitation.
The overnight raids on Thursday, 5 February targeted addresses where intelligence indicated people were being held and exploited through cuckooing—a practice where drug dealers take over vulnerable people’s homes to use as bases for criminal activity. Officers arrested 23 suspects including individuals facing modern-day slavery offences.
Police served Closure Notices on two addresses to immediately deny criminals access to the premises and protect those at risk of further harm. The notices form part of the Met’s strategy to disrupt the physical infrastructure that enables exploitation and serious violence.
Massive Weapons Haul Removed from Streets
The scale of weaponry discovered during the raids highlights the danger posed by the targeted networks. Officers seized five firearms, a samurai sword and ten additional prohibited weapons alongside the drugs and criminal proceeds.
Two high-powered Surron bikes were also recovered. A substantial amount of cash believed to be criminal property was seized during the searches.
Large quantities of Class A and Class B drugs were recovered from the raided properties. The 23 arrests covered a range of offences including supply of drugs, possession of firearms, possession of offensive weapons, and possession of criminal property in addition to the modern slavery charges.
Coordinated Show of Force
Inspector Kevin Chambers, who led the operation, described how over 300 officers worked together during the raids. Police constables, rapid-entry specialists, dog units, the Territorial Support Group and custody teams participated in what he called “a coordinated show of strength and precision.”
The operation was planned based on intelligence that people within the targeted addresses were involved in serious criminality including drug dealing, serious violence and cuckooing. Officers acted on community concerns about criminal activity affecting local neighbourhoods.
Detective Superintendent Ian Cameron said the operation was designed to disrupt drug networks that fuel serious violence and to protect vulnerable people exploited within these criminal structures. He stated the Met remains committed to acting on community concerns.
Police Sergeant James Peppitt said the Safer Neighbourhood Teams were supported by the wider Met during the operation and thanked the community for their support, expressing hope that residents would see police are listening to their concerns.
Violence Reduction Strategy Showing Results
The Met released figures last month showing serious violence in the capital is down with homicides at a record low. The statistics suggest the sustained crackdown on violence is working.
Serious and organised crime groups were disrupted over 21,200 times in 2025, representing a 63% increase compared to the previous year. Officers seized 3,570 guns and weapons during that period, getting dangerous items off the streets and bringing offenders before the courts.
The overnight activity in Mitcham forms part of ongoing efforts to protect communities from dangerous criminal groups and drive down serious violence across London. Inspector Chambers said Safer Neighbourhood Teams are ramping up activity with more operations planned to target criminality and reduce violence.
How to Report Concerns
Police are urging anyone with concerns about criminal activity in their local area to come forward. Emergency situations should be reported by dialling 999, whilst non-emergency crimes can be reported on 101. Crimestoppers can be contacted on 0800 555 111 for those wishing to remain anonymous.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​