Daybreak raids lead to 10 arrests as the Met crack down on gangs

Eight men and two women are in custody after more than 100 officers simultaneously raided 10 properties across Newham, Enfield, Tilbury, Essex and Ashford, Kent this morning, Wednesday, 29 May, as the Met continues its fight against community crime.

The arrests are the result of a nine-month investigation into the inner workings of a large gang based in Newham. The group are linked to the supply of crack cocaine and heroin in and around East London and the surrounding areas.

These arrests highlight the Met’s commitment as part of A New Met for London to tackle crimes that affect communities most, taking violent drug dealers off the streets.

Detective Sergeant Danny Cooper, who led the investigation, said “We do not tolerate violence in our communities and we will be relentless in tracking down those responsible for causing it and will bring them to justice.

“We take the harm these people are causing seriously and know that removing them from our streets is incredibly important to Londoners and to their safety. We will continue to use all available tactics to identify and arrest those responsible for committing these crimes.”

During a search of the properties officers seized approximately:

- Seven ounces of crack cocaine;
- Three ounces of heroin;
- Three ounces of cocaine hydrochloride;
- £15,000 in cash;
- £30,000 in high value assets, such as a Rolex watch;
- One firearm.

The eight men - aged between 21 and 56 - and two women aged 26 and 57, were all arrested on suspicion of conspiring to supply Class A drugs, namely crack cocaine and heroin. 

All 10 remain in custody at an east London police station and enquiries continue.