The Metropolitan Police has carried out a week-long operation targeting gangs, organised crime groups and violent offenders across south-west London, resulting in 20 arrests and the seizure of weapons and drugs worth an estimated £27,000.
Operation Haldor involved intensified enforcement activity in Merton, with officers executing intelligence-led warrants aimed at tackling serious crime and protecting local communities.
Results of the operation:
- 26 warrants executed
- 20 arrests made
- Three Closure Orders secured
- One Closure Notice issued
- Sixteen offensive weapons seized
- Five Section 5 firearms (CS spray) seized
- 176 grams of Class A drugs seized
- 1,680 grams of Class B drugs seized
- Drugs with an estimated street value of £27,000 recovered
Alongside enforcement activity, safeguarding vulnerable people remained a key priority throughout the operation. Officers identified young and vulnerable individuals who had been exploited through drug supply networks and the use of “cuckooed” addresses, where criminals take over the homes of vulnerable residents.
Police worked closely with partner organisations to ensure victims received appropriate support and safeguarding interventions, helping to reduce the risk of further exploitation and involvement in criminal activity.
Chief Inspector Mike Wade, who led the operation in Merton, said:
“This operation is part of our efforts to dismantle drug networks and organised crime groups that fuel violence and harm in our communities.
“During this week of intense action, officers targeted gangs, organised crime groups and violent offenders by executing warrants at five locations across south-west London. In total, 20 arrests were made in relation to drug and modern slavery offences, while 16 offensive weapons were seized alongside large quantities of Class A and B drugs.
“Every arrest made, weapon seized, and drug line closed is a step towards preventing serious violence in communities.
“Operations like this build on our success last year in disrupting organised crime groups 21,231 times, as well as taking 676 firearms and 2,894 knives off our streets.”
The Metropolitan Police said Operation Haldor forms part of its wider efforts to remove those responsible for causing the greatest harm to local communities and make Merton safer for everyone.
Footage and images from the operation, including body-worn video of a Territorial Support Group entry and arrest, have been released as part of the investigation.
