Twelve people were arrested this morning after dawn raids targeting ‘drug dealing and its associated violent activity in Peckham’.
Police from Southwark’s gangs unit arrested eleven men aged between eighteen and 48, and one woman, aged 31, on suspicion of drug supply offences who are all in custody in a police station in south London.
In total, sixteen search warrants took place at addresses in Southwark and Bromley including the Pelican Estate, East Surrey Grove, Friary Road, Unwin Close and Marsden Road and Queens Road in SE15, Muirfield Road in SE16, Arlington Close in SE13, Manor Place in SE17, and Lambebrook Road in BR1.
Officers have seized Class A drugs and will hold weapons sweeps across the borough throughout the day.
Detective Inspector Luke Williams, gangs lead for Lambeth and Southwark, said: “Today’s operation is a culmination of months of hard work focused on tackling drug dealing and its associated violent activity in Peckham.
“Drug dealing is inextricably linked with a high proportion of the violence we have seen on our streets.
“We will deal robustly with those who seek to peddle drugs, exploit young people and target the most vulnerable within our communities for the sole purpose of financial gain; often instigating violent acts and placing young people at risk of harm and criminalisation in the process.
“Communities have a vital role to play in tackling violence and drug crime.
“We want to hear from anyone who may have information about serious crime in their neighbourhood.
“This information could save lives in the future.
“We hope today’s activities reassure residents that we do listen and we do take action.
“Please keep supplying us with information either about drug dealing, or about people you feel might be exploited by drug dealers.”
Southwark Council’s Evelyn Akoto, cabinet member for community safety and public health, welcomed the news describing the arrests as a ‘step forward in tackling the scourge of drugs on our streets’.
She said many residents are worried about drugs and violence in Peckham, saying ‘we all have a part to play in keeping our communities safe’.