00:00Police across London have seized firearms and a samurai sword and arrested 23 suspects
00:09in what officers describe as a major crackdown on organised crime in the capital.
00:14The operation targeted gang activity in south-west London, with officers raiding 15 properties
00:20across Merton.
00:21Alongside the weapons, police recovered large quantities of Class A and Class B drugs, significant
00:27sums of cash, 10 prohibited weapons and 2 high-powered motorbikes.
00:32In total, 5 firearms and the sword were taken off the streets during the coordinated raids,
00:38in a move authorities say is aimed at disrupting criminal networks operating across London.
00:44Officers were acting on intelligence that people within the addresses were involved in serious
00:48criminality, such as drug dealing, serious violence and cuckooing.
00:53The Met said the operation was an example of a 63% increase in the targeting of organised
00:59crime groups in London in the past year.
01:02Some 3,500 guns and weapons have been seized.
01:06Inspector Kevin Chambers, who led the operation, said that the operation unfolded with the power
01:12of over 300 officers working in unison, police constables, rapid entry specialists, dog units,
01:20the territorial support group and custody teams, and that it was a coordinated show of strength
01:26and precision.
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