London Crime Crackdown Nets Guns and Drugs
Police in London launched a high-impact swoop targeting gun crime hotspots across the capital. The operation combined targeted patrols and community-backed weapon sweeps, leading to a haul of deadly firearms and illegal drugs.
Seized: Live Guns, Blank Firearms & £20k Cannabis
- Live 2.2 Berringer hand pistol
- Live .38 Rimfire calibre revolver with four rounds
- Four suspected blank firearms
- One stun gun
- Class A drugs
- Class B drugs including imported skunk cannabis worth £20,000
The week-long blitz ran from November 21 to 27. Police arrested 17 suspects. Twelve have since faced charges, been recalled to prison or made court appearances.
Two Charged with Conspiracy to Murder
Among those charged are two men, aged in their 20s and 50s, accused of conspiracy to murder and possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life. The charges stem from four shootings in west London. Both remain in custody.
Community Weapon Sweeps & Youth Outreach
Officers conducted 14 weapon sweeps across London and visited schools and local groups. The focus: educating young people about the dangers of firearms.
Detective Superintendent Tim Mustoe said:
“Tackling violence is a priority for the Met and our response to gun crime is strong. We have deployed extra officers in the small pockets of London where we’ve seen shootings take place.
Officers are developing fast-time intelligence and executing warrants to arrest those involved in gun crime. The majority of shootings in London are linked to street gangs and organised crime groups, so the likelihood of being a victim if you’re not connected is low.
However, we recognise that gun crime can have a devastating impact on victims and their families. We have been relentless in identifying, arresting and charging criminals who use firearms to target rivals and run criminal enterprises.
We can reduce gun crime far quicker if members of the public provide us with information about those responsible, where firearms are stored and who they are used by. If you do not want to report to police, you can contact independent charity Crimestoppers – 100% anonymously. You could save a life.”
Met’s Clear Message: Help Us Fight Gun Crime
This intense week of action is part of a wider strategy to slash violence and gun crime in London. Police vow to keep up the pressure on criminal gangs putting communities at risk.
- Disrupt and arrest those causing the most harm
- Protect the public, especially the vulnerable
