Eight people were arrested earlier today in a police operation against drugs and violence.

Warrants were executed at 15 addresses in South London; seven of which were in Lewisham.  More than 200 officers were involved in the raids.

Detective Superintendent Andy Furphy said: “This operation demonstrated the Met’s commitment to achieving its targets and showed our ability to use robust action against those involved in drug-related violence.”

All arrests took place in the early hours of Wednesday morning. In total, eight men – aged between 19 and 40 years old – were arrested. 

The charges include possession of a firearm, possession with intent to supply Class A and B drugs, cultivation of cannabis, and ownership of a criminal property, following the seizure of large amounts of high-value goods and cash.

In addition to the arrests, several items were seized, including a stun gun, tear gas, seven firearms (of which three were imitations) and a vast collection of knives.

Furphy added: “The efforts of all the officers and staff involved will make the communities of south-east London safe.”

In London, 30 out of 36 areas saw either a decrease or no significant change in recorded drug crime over the past five years. However, outside of the capital, in south-east and east England, there were 74 towns and villages that saw increases in drug crime.

Drug-related crime in Lewisham had remained relatively stagnant over the last five years, with the exception of 2018 when there was a slight increase in the number of drug offences.

Police have urged anyone with information about individuals engaged in drug dealing to contact police, either via 101 or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.