Drug raids in East London Pic: Ray Forster

Fifteen men have been arrested for possessing large quantities of Class A drugs in a two-day crackdown on gangs in Hackney and Enfield.

Officers from the Metropolitan Police’s Trident Central Gang Unit and Enfield’s Gang Unit undertook a series of dawn raids this morning.

Five men, aged between 16 and 22, were arrested for conspiracy to supply Class A drugs including heroin and crack cocaine.

Searches of the six properties in Clapton and Arnos Grove, Enfield, are ongoing but the Met have reported that substantial quantities of money and crack cocaine have been recovered.

Detective Chief Inspector Tim Champion, of the Trident Central Gangs Unit, said: “Today’s operation demonstrates that we will always act upon information given to us about those involved in gang-related criminal activity.”

“By working with the boroughs across London, Trident Gang Crime Command aims to prioritise, tackle, arrest and place before the courts those who commit gang-related crimes.”

“The criminal lifestyle of those arrested has caused misery to local residents and the local area.”

He added: “Those involved in gangs should also be aware that there is a way out, and that there are people we can put them in touch with to help turn their lives around, from mentors, to education centres to potential employers.”

“However, if you remain in a gang and if you continue to commit crime, then we will keep targeting you.”

This was the second phase of raids as part of Operation Naddoox. 10 men were also arrested  and charged with conspiracy to supply Class A drugs on November 28.

Operation Trident was established by the Metropolitan Police in February 2012 and initially focused on gun violence and homicide within the black community, but now focuses on wider gang related crimes.