London Gang Arrests after 'Boys and Girls Trafficked to Sell Crack Cocaine Across Country'

Eight members of a London gang have been arrested on suspicion of trafficking boys and girls to sell crack cocaine across the UK.

The Metropolitan Police this morning executed 11 arrest warrants from 5am after it was believed young girls and boys from south-east London were being used to transport Class A drugs to Hampshire and Kent.

Eight people were arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to supply class A drugs, inciting supply of class A drugs, child trafficking and money laundering.

They were: an 18-year-old man arrested in Lewisham, a 20-year-old man in Haringey, a 32-year-old man in Kent, a 42-year-old man and a 31-year old woman in Hampshire.

A 20-year-old man, a 15 year-old youth and a 36 year-old woman were produced from prison and arrested.

So far a large quantity of crack cocaine and what is believed to be a press used to package drugs have been recovered. £1,500 has been seized under the Proceeds of Crime Act from an address in Petham, Canterbury.

The warrants were executed by around 250 officers, led by the Trident Central Gangs Unit and assisted by Lewisham's Gangs Unit, the Met's Territorial Support Group (TSG) and colleagues from Hampshire and Kent Police.

Prior to today's activity a total of 15 individuals, aged between 15 and 20 years old, were arrested by police in Hampshire and Kent on suspicion of drug offences.

Detective superintendent Tim Champion, Trident Gang Crime Command said: "Today's activity is the result of Trident's continued work with borough and UK colleagues to target the most 'high risk' offenders to keep communities, young people in London safe.

"Today's operation should serve as a clear message to those who think they are above the law. If you use young people to support your criminal activity - we will focus our efforts on you. You will be caught, you will be arrested and you will be placed before the courts."