Eight arrests in raids on Camden drug line linked to kidnap

Eight people were arrested in dawn raids as police swooped to break up a drug dealing line they say had kidnapped a young woman.

The Metropolitan Police targeted 12 addresses linked to dealing in Camden this morning (Thursday, June 29) after “extensive investigations”.

Two boys under 18 and six men aged between 18 and 30 were arrested on suspincion of offences including conspiracy to supply Class A drugs (heroin and crack cocaine) and kidnap.

As well as the arrests, police say officers recovered a “significant amount” of Class A drugs, imitation firearms and cash.

A Met spokesperson said officers in the Gang Crime / Drug Focus Investigation team based in Camden and Islington started investigating a drugs line operating in the Camden area in September 2022.

Police say the group supplied heroin and crack cocaine in Camden and around London, recruiting and exploiting young people for their own financial benefit.

The group is also alleged to have kidnapped a young woman and subjected her to violence. Police say she continues to be safeguarded.

Police say they carried out raids at additional locations including Agar Grove and Linkwood Walk in Camden; Southend Road in Newham, and Churchfield Road in Ealing.

Detective Inspector Zara Baker, from the Central North Gang Crime/Drug Focus CID team, said: “Today’s operation is the culmination of months’ of hard work by detectives, conducting detailed activity to bring such large scale, complex investigations together.

“These arrests have included conspiracy to supply drugs as well as a kidnapping. However, we know groups like these are often involved in the exploitation of young people and high levels of violence. We hope today’s arrests see the closure of this drug line, and halt the violence and anti-social behaviour that goes hand in hand with gang and drug activity.

“Having seen the harm and chaos groups like this cause in the city as well as in their own communities, we hope the result of this operation will ultimately make Camden an even safer place to live, work and visit.”