A total of 15 people were arrested and 13 addresses were raided across both boroughs

Police have seized drugs, cash and weapons including an imitation gun during a week-long crackdown on gangs in Brent and Westminster.

Officers from the Met’s Trident Central Gangs Unit teamed up with both boroughs’ gangs units in their fight against drugs and violent crime.

A total of 15 people were arrested for a variety of offences including possession of cannabis, possession with intent to supply, possession of Class A drugs, GBH and burglary.

One penalty notice for disorder was issued and four cannabis warnings were also handed out.

A total of 13 addresses were raided with officers seizing crack cocaine, heroin and cannabis worth �25,000 and �12,000 in cash during one search.

A weapons sweep in Hirst Cresent, north Wembley, and South Kilburn Estate, uncovered an arsenal of weapons including a hammer, poles, screwdrivers and an imitation gun.

Five cars were seized and 53 stop and searches were carried out during Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) operations in Dudden Hill Lane in Willesden, Church Road in Harlesden, East Lane in north Wembley and Watford Road in Sudbury.

Officers also conducted presentations in schools warning students of the dangers of being involved in gang crime.

Safer Neighbourhoods Teams carried out reassurance visits and letter drops around areas where warrants were executed.

Chief Superintendent Matthew Gardner, Brent Borough Commander, said: “We have targeted known gang nominals robustly through proactive stops, arrests, and the execution of warrants.

“We have balanced this relentless pursuit of gang members with exit strategies to entice young people away from gangs, working with our partners to help prevent young people from getting involved in gangs in the first place.“

DCI Timothy Champion from The Trident Gang Command Unit said: “The Trident Gang Command will continue to work with Boroughs to reduce gang related violence. Police and Partnership activity continues on priority gangs and gang nominals.

“This week of activity highlights some of the methods used to both enforce against violent gang members, and divert those on the periphery of gang involvement.”