London police arrest over 170 people during raids
More than 1,200 officers from seven police forces arrested 179 people, recovered 30 knives and weapons, seized 66 vehicles, and recovered £5,700 in cash.
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Officers from the Metropolitan Police arrest a suspect after a pursuit through Harlesden, north west London, as part of Operation Pandilla. (Met Police)
During a three-day operation to target criminals, London police made more than 170 arrests in the nation's capital, according to UK media on Tuesday.
The police detained 179 suspects during the Pandilla operation, which took place between January 17 and 19, according to the Evening Standard newspaper. Additionally, 30 weapons, 66 vehicles, and 5,700 pounds ($7,000) in cash were seized.
The report added that more than 1,200 police personnel of seven police forces took part in the raids.
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"This operation was a joint effort between seven police forces, sharing proactive intelligence and enhancing existing relationship to target those involved in drug, gang and weapon-based violence," London Metropolitan Police superintendent Emma Gulczynski was quoted as saying by the newspaper.
Operation Pandilla targeted suspect vehicles using automatic number plate recognition and intelligence on major thoroughfares and motorways in and around London, according to the report.
The goal was to tackle drug dealing, modern slavery, firearms offenses, knife possession, burglary, and vehicle theft, the media reported.
