Police have smashed down doors and raided suspected drug dens in a London wide operation.

The day of action, that kicked off this morning, saw more than 1000 officers fan out across Croydon and London carrying out raids, testing pubs and clubs surfaces for traces of drugs and visits to pharmacies to check for illegal prescribing.

The operation is being led by Safer Neighbourhoods officers, supported by colleagues from units including Trident, the specialist drugs command, Mounted Branch, Territorial Support Group (TSG), the Marine Policing Unit, special constables and volunteer police cadets.

By noon 150 arrests had been made, 1854 cannabis plants seized and 23 cannabis factories closed.

Commander Mak Chishty, operational lead for Operation Hawk, said: "This operation is a renewed emphasis on local policing teams tackling street level drug dealing and associated crime using local community intelligence and a wide range of tactics and assorted activities.

"Drug dealing damages communities. It generates crime, disorder and anti-social behaviour. The MPS is determined to tackle this issue head on by bringing together our resources to reclaim and help repair areas affected by drug dealing.

"To help us do this, we need to encourage communities to talk to us and report concerns, and we will reward this trust by delivering swift results and telling people what action we have taken. Community intelligence passed to us will be dealt with as quickly as possible and carefully assessed before any action taken.

"With your help we can make your local neighbourhood safer. You make the call, we'll make it stop."