Two people from Chatham were among seven arrested in a series of dawn raids across South London and Kent.

Officers from the Met Police's Violent Crime Taskforce carried out seven warrants at 5am this morning in an operation to apprehend suspected "high harm offenders" involved in county lines drugs supply.

They were supported by officers from South Area BCU, the Territorial Support Group and colleagues from Kent Police.

The warrants were the culmination of an investigation into County Lines drugs supply that began in May, and detectives believe the individuals arrested this morning have been exploiting young people to courier drugs out of London.

Police say those arrested were "classed a high harm offenders" where they have links to violence or have a violent background.

Officers have implemented safeguarding measures around any victims of exploitation, along with partners and the local authority.

Among those arrested was a 21-year-old woman and 40-year-old man from Chatham, both arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs.

The operation resulted in other arrests on suspicion of supplying Class A drugs, possession of criminal property and modern slavery.

Around £20,000 cash seized, Class A and B drugs were found, and a knife was recovered during a search of an address in South Norwood.

DC Ray Sekalongo, of the Violent Crime Taskforce investigation team, said: “There is undoubtedly a link between drugs and violence and this investigation proves that.

“Those arrested this morning as part of our drive to apprehend high harm offenders are gang members or have links to gangs, they are incredibly dangerous and cause destruction in our communities."

He added: “We will continue to work closely with colleagues from other forces, partner agencies and the community to dismantle drug dealing networks. Tackling violence is our top priority.

“This enhanced activity to target wanted individuals linked to violence was born out of the pandemic and continues as part of the annual Autumn Nights campaign.

“Working together, we are acting on information provided to us by the public and partner agencies to target those involved in this illegal activity that has a hugely detrimental effect on the quality of life for the law-abiding community.

“I urge anyone, if something doesn’t feel right - it may not be. If you have information about any criminality in your area to contact police, or Crimestoppers, so that we can take proactive action - your information is invaluable to us and could help a child or vulnerable person.”

All those arrested remain in police custody while the investigation continues.

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