Nineteen people have been arrested, with weapons, cash and quantities of both Class A and B drugs seized in a police crackdown across Wandsworth and Lambeth.

Sixteen warrants have been carried out in Operation Vickers 2 across the two boroughs overnight (September 27) and those arrested remain in custody at a south west London police station, pending further enquiries.

Officers in the south west of the capital have undertaken a series of raids with the aim of combatting the supply of drugs, violence and associated crime, and the latest result is said to signal the penultimate phase in a comprehensive operation by Wandsworth police.

The force intends to target drug markets operating in public places who are associated with offences such as knife crime, other violence, burglary, theft and anti-social behaviour.

Wandsworth borough commander Peter Laverick said: “This is the latest in a series of police enforcement activities which are ongoing and which target those who commit serious crime.

“Wandsworth has consistently been one of the safest inner London boroughs. In addition to the support our officers have provided in response the recent terrorist and major incidents, they have worked hard to ensure Wandsworth remains safe.

“By targeting drug markets and those who operate in them we can continue to have a positive and long term impact on related crimes such as knife crime, other violent and acquisitive crime and on the quality of life of our communities.

“Over the past eighteen months, 55 people have been charged with over 240 offences. Over 160 years in prison sentences have been handed down so far relating to the supply of Class A drugs, acquisitive crime, violence and knife crime in Wandsworth."

Mr Laverick added that £500,000 worth of Class A drugs have been seized by Wandsworth officers, and a further £17.2 million has been taken in as a result of information that has been provided to other Met Police units.

Around £270,000 of cash has been obtained from drug suppliers in the borough, some of which has been used to finance similar operations.

Laverick said: “We aim to take offenders drugs, remove their liberty, and seize their cash. Where appropriate we will also work with the local authority to review whether they should be allowed to live in housing supplied by the local authority.

"We always seek to improve and be more effective but we need our community to help us. This support is essential to achieve positive change.

“Today I would like to thank those in our community for supporting us in this instance. I hope they can see that our actions, in conjunction with the Local Authority show we do act on their concerns. Today I would like to appeal for their continued support.”