Metropolitan Police’s Operation Connect, 27 Wandsworth homes were searched along with 14 other addresses across six other boroughs during a pan-London “hit day”, in a bid to tackle gang-related activity.

Dawn raids targeting gang members and violent offenders took place in the early hours of this morning, with a number of properties in Wandsworth being searched by police.

As part of the Metropolitan Police’s Operation Connect, 27 Wandsworth homes were searched along with 14 other addresses across six other boroughs during a pan-London “hit day”, in a bid to tackle gang-related activity.

Seventeen Wandsworth men between the ages of 15-35 were arrested for offences including conspiracy to supply class A drugs and possession with intent to supply, and are currently being interviewed at a number of south London police stations.

About £10,000 in cash was seized as well as drugs, various drug dealing paraphernalia such as scales, mobile phones and jewellery which was believed to be stolen.

MPS Territorial Policing Commander Steve Rodhouse, said: "Today’s raids demonstrate our determination to continue to dismantle gang networks that are responsible for a disproportionate amount of criminality in London.

"They also send out a clear message that drug dealing, which can fuel many other gang-related activities, will not be tolerated.”