REDBRIDGE: Police seize guns and drugs in widespread crack-down

Officers conducted the raids as part of Operation Peyzac, in which police made arrests in Redbridge as well as at addresses in the nearby boroughs of Enfield and Haringey, as well as Leeds, following 18 months of investigation.

As yet, the police cannot confirm the exact number or location of the arrests as the operation continues.

During the operation, in which 22 addresses were targeted, police found several caches of weapons and Class A drugs, which were taken as evidence.

A total of 18 suspects – 17 men and one woman – were arrested in connection with offences including supplying firearms, conspiracy to supply firearms and supplying controlled drugs.

All are currently in custody at central London police stations.

At the address in Haringey a suspected gun conversion factory was discovered. A number of components of firearms and ammunition were found at the location and searches are ongoing.

At another address a large number of weapons, including knives and swords, were recovered. Elsewhere, two air rifles and a samurai sword, as well large quantities of drugs and cash, were also discovered.

A total of 16 firearms - all handguns - were recovered prior to the arrest phase, along with over a kilo of controlled drugs.

Enfield’s chief superintendent David Tucker said: "Today's arrests follow a lengthy operation by Enfield Borough Police supported by London borough of Enfield, to combat criminal networks within the borough after concern was raised by the local community some time ago.

"Significant resources have been devoted to Operation Peyzac over many months. We will not tolerate violence and associated gang activity within the borough and will always ensure we use a variety of police tactics to track down criminals and bring them to justice.

"We know that we have the support of the wider community in this area to combat violence and we will be working with communities in the future to build sustained peace in the area."