Fourteen people have been arrested after dawn raids in Kennington Park Estate and other addresses across Southwark and Lambeth.
In total, 20 addresses were searched yesterday morning (Wednesday, September 25) under warrant by police from ‘Project Soteria’ – targeting drug dealing and violent crime in the two boroughs since January of this year.
Officers have, so far, seized £8,000 in cash, drug paraphernalia and 300 rocks of crack cocaine.
Detective Superintendent Helen Lyons said: “We have carried out this large-scale operation as part of our commitment to tackling serious crime, violence, and the supply of drugs that affects our community.
“I know that many local residents want us to continue to do more to tackle crime and I hope that today’s activities demonstrate that we are listening to those concerns.
“Whilst we are listening to what the community needs from us, I ask that those who have information about violent crime and drugs in London pass on that information to police, the independent charity Crimestoppers, or Fearless.
“Any information passed on to them will remain completely anonymous.”
Her comments were echoed by Acting Detective Superintendent Jim McKee said their work was “severely disrupting organised criminal networks”.
“This project, which was launched in January, was developed to take those involved in the supply of drugs off our streets and put them behind bars.
“So far we have made over 200 arrests with over 80 per cent now charged with serious offences.
“We are seriously disrupting organised criminal networks.”
