The Met Police conducted a series of early morning raids in South London and Kent this morning (Thursday, October 29) and said they had captured several people suspected of various offences related to modern slavery and drug dealing, including a number of men from Croydon.

The Met’s Violent Crime Taskforce carried out seven warrants with Kent Police at 5am they said was targeting so-called ‘county-lines’ drug dealing.

Footage posted online by the Met showed groups of officers kitted out in riot gear smash their way into homes in South London and arrest individuals inside, who were pictured being led out in hand cuffs.

Among the results of the raids, police said were:

• Seven arrests for offences including conspiracy to supply class A drugs, possession of criminal property and modern slavery;

• around £20,000 cash seized;

• Class A and B drugs found;

• a knife was recovered during a search of an address in South Norwood.

Detective Constable Ray Sekalongo, of the VCTF investigation team, said:

“Those arrested this morning as part of our drive to apprehend high harm offenders are gang members or have links to gangs, they are incredibly dangerous and cause destruction in our communities.

“We will continue to work closely with colleagues from other forces, partner agencies and the community to dismantle drug dealing networks. Tackling violence is our top priority.

“This enhanced activity to target wanted individuals linked to violence was born out of the pandemic and continues as part of the annual Autumn Nights campaign.

Among those arrested were several men from the Croydon area, including:

• A 22-year-old man from South Norwood, arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs and modern slavery;

• A 22-year-old man from Croydon, arrested on suspicion of being in possession of criminal property and possession of cannabis;

• A 19-year-old man from Croydon, arrested on suspicion of possession of Class A with intent and possession of criminal property