Drugs and street gang crack down in Enfield sees 24 people arrested

BUSTED: Drugs seized during today's raids (Met Police)

TWENTY four people were arrested today as the Met Police cracked down on gangs and drugs across Enfield.

A series of early morning raids were carried out at properties across the north London borough.

A Met Police spokesman said: "In response to concerns from the local community about drug dealing taking place in and around Ponders Park, an intelligence-led operation was created to target, disrupt and arrest those involved.

"The warrants also resulted in quantities of cocaine, cannabis and several thousands of pounds in cash being seized.

"Those arrested, a number of whom are linked to gangs, have been taken to various North London police stations where they remain in custody."

Detective Inspector Stephen Masterson, North Area Proactive Policing team, said: “Today has been the culmination of months of hard work targeting gang members and those engaged in drug-related violence, which we know can have, and has had, devastating consequences on communities and families.

DEADLY: A zombie knife found by Enfield Police last month (Met Police/Twitter)

“Drug dealing is inextricably linked with much of the violence we have seen on the streets, which is why we will deal robustly with those who seek to peddle drugs, exploit the most vulnerable within our communities and make public spaces feel unsafe, for the sole purpose of financial gain. Often those involved in drug dealing are instigating violent acts and placing young people at risk of harm and criminalisation in the process.

“Officers in the area will continue to work tirelessly to pursue anyone engaged in this toxic trade and protect our communities from the violence and the serious acquisitive crime that flows from it. If you are involved in the supply of drugs, you should be under no illusion that we will not use all legal means at our disposal to bring you to justice.”

In January Essex News and Investigations told how Enfield had become the worst borough in London at the time for gang-related violence.

SHOCKING: Officers have recovered a number of lethal blades in recent months (Met Police/Twitter)

The Met says communities have a vital role to play in tackling violent crime and helping police catch those responsible for dealing drugs.

The spokesman added: "The Met want to hear from anyone who may have information about serious crime, drug dealing and related crime in their neighbourhood. This information could save lives in the future.

"If you aren’t comfortable speaking directly to the police, please contact Crimestoppers, an independent charity, anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information. They do not ask your name and cannot record or trace your call or IP address."