Officers uncovered a stash of hundreds of guns in what has been described as one of the biggest weapons seizures in the Metropolitan Police's history.
Officers uncovered a stash of hundreds of guns in what has been described as one of the biggest weapons seizures in the Metropolitan Police's history.
Three addresses were raided during dawn raids on Wednesday in Dartford, Kent, as part of an 18-month investigation into shootings in north London.
Three addresses were raided during dawn raids on Wednesday in Dartford, Kent, as part of an 18-month investigation into shootings in north London.
A 55-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of supplying firearms during the raids, which involved 30 officers.
A 55-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of supplying firearms during the raids, which involved 30 officers.
Law enforcement agencies in the US have carried out linked raids in New Jersey.
Law enforcement agencies in the US have carried out linked raids in New Jersey.
The weapons police have seized included shotguns, automatic and semi-automatic weapons.
The weapons police have seized included shotguns, automatic and semi-automatic weapons.
It is impossible to overestimate the misery and fear these weapons could have brought if they had got into the hands of criminals Det Ch Supt Kevin Davis
It is impossible to overestimate the misery and fear these weapons could have brought if they had got into the hands of criminals Det Ch Supt Kevin Davis
BBC London's crime correspondent Guy Smith said some of the firearms were legitimate but police suspect many others could be illegal.
BBC London's crime correspondent Guy Smith said some of the firearms were legitimate but police suspect many others could be illegal.
He added live ammunition was discovered on the garage floor at one address.
He added live ammunition was discovered on the garage floor at one address.
The Met's Operation Trident team, which investigates gun crime within London's black community, carried out the raids.
The Met's Operation Trident team, which investigates gun crime within London's black community, carried out the raids.
Officers raided two residential and one commercial address at about 0600 BST.
Officers raided two residential and one commercial address at about 0600 BST.
The weapons were found at one of the residential premises.
The weapons were found at one of the residential premises.
The operation - codenamed Mokpo - was launched 18 months ago following a spate of shootings in north London involving rival gangs.
The operation - codenamed Mokpo - was launched 18 months ago following a spate of shootings in north London involving rival gangs.
Det Ch Supt Kevin Davis, from Operation Trident, said: "This operation has resulted in hundreds of guns being taken out of circulation and has potentially prevented a number of serious injuries or even deaths occurring on the streets of London.
Det Ch Supt Kevin Davis, from Operation Trident, said: "This operation has resulted in hundreds of guns being taken out of circulation and has potentially prevented a number of serious injuries or even deaths occurring on the streets of London.
"It is impossible to overestimate the misery and fear these weapons could have brought if they had got into the hands of criminals.
"It is impossible to overestimate the misery and fear these weapons could have brought if they had got into the hands of criminals.
"Today's seizure demonstrates Trident's determination not only to target the gunmen but also tackle those who are responsible for supplying guns in the first place."
"Today's seizure demonstrates Trident's determination not only to target the gunmen but also tackle those who are responsible for supplying guns in the first place."
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