Loaded Gun Seized and Four Men Busted After Routine Stop in Harrow
Police have swooped on four men and seized a loaded firearm following what started as a routine patrol in Harrow.
Armed Officers Spot Suspicious Group in Rayners Lane
At around 10pm on Thursday, August 20, Violent Crime Taskforce (VCTF) officers spotted a group loitering outside a shop in Rayners Lane, Harrow.
When officers began detaining the men for a search, one dropped a blue bag with a suspicious ‘clunking’ sound.
Loaded Revolver Found in Dropped Bag
Checking the bag, police found a loaded revolver. The firearm was quickly made safe and sent for forensic testing.
The four men, all aged 21, were arrested on suspicion of possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life. They have been taken to a north London police station for questioning.
Operation Viper in Action Against Gun Crime
The stop was part of a planned armed patrol under Operation Viper, a multi-agency crackdown launched in 2016 to tackle gun crime in London.
Teams from the North West Basic Command Unit (BCU), Specialist Firearms Command, Road and Transport Command’s Crime Team, the Dogs Unit, and VCTF took part in the patrol.
Commander Praises Officers’ Quick Thinking
“This is another example of why stop and search is so crucial in protecting Londoners and tackling violence,” said Chief Superintendent Roy Smith, North West BCU Commander.
“The officers’ instincts led to a deadly, loaded firearm being taken off our streets. I firmly believe this weapon could have seriously injured or killed someone.”
“I’m grateful to all the officers united in their mission to reduce violence. This also reminds us of the dangers our men and women in uniform face daily as they put their safety on the line to protect us. I’m humbled by their everyday heroism.”
Enquiries into the incident are ongoing.
