Eighteen suspected gang members have been arrested as part of a crackdown on organised crime in the borough.

The men are all aged between 16 and 28 years and were taken into custody yesterday as part of an intelligence-led operation by the Metropolitan Police targeting gangs.

Ten of the men were arrested at around 7.30pm on Tuesday, April 8, in the Turnpike Lane area on suspicion of conspiring to supply Class A and B drugs.

Police raided seven houses in the early hours of yesterday morning and a further eight men were arrested for conspiracy to supply Class A and B drugs.

Officers have so far recovered a quantity of cocaine, a kilo of what is believed to be cannabis and a large amount of cash.

Those targeted are believed to be “high harm” individuals who are suspected of involvement in a series of crimes, including GBH and robberies.

The 18 men have been taken to a north London police station where they remain in police custody.

Detective Chief Inspector Tim Champion, of Trident Central Gangs Unit, said: "Today's operation is another example of how we act upon information given to us about those involved in gang-related criminal activity.

"The criminal activity of those arrested has blighted the local area, causing misery to residents and creating a hostile place to live due to the level of violence and anti-social behaviour displayed by these gang members.

"Working with officers from Haringey for the past three months we have conducted a total of 40 warrants and made 100 arrests of which 70 are known gang members.

“This has resulted in a significant reduction of serious youth violence, robbery, gun and knife crime.”