Massive weapons haul found near school

11:43am Wednesday 13th September 2006

OFFICERS from the Met's Operation Trident unit have seized hundreds of firearms in Dartford.

In what is thought to be the biggest weapons seizures ever by the Met, the intelligence-led operation this morning was part of a major drive to tackle the supply of guns to criminals in the capital.

More pictures from the police raids - click here

At 6am officers raided two residential and one business address.

"Hundreds and hundreds" of guns - including pump-action shotguns, pistols, automatic and semi-automatic weapons and live ammunition - were found in a suburban house on Wentworth Drive, opposite Wentworth Primary School.

A 55-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of supplying firearms from the Dartford home. The grandfather was being questioned about links to a "suspected international arms trafficking cartel".

It was reported that some of the firearms were legitimate and the arrested man was believed to be a registered firearms dealer, but it was suspected many others could be illegal.

Searches are expected to continue throughout the day.

Around 30 Met officers are involved in today's activity.

The operation - codenamed Mokpo - was launched 18 months ago following a spate of shootings in north London involving rival gangs.

The operation culminated in today's raids.

Operation Trident spokesman Detective Chief Superintendent Kevin Davis said: "This operation has resulted in hundreds of guns being taken out of circulation and has potentially prevented a number of serious injuries or even deaths occurring on the streets of London.

"It is impossible to overestimate the misery and fear these weapons could have brought if they had got into the hands of criminals.

"Today's seizure demonstrates Trident's determination not only to target the gunmen but also tackle those who are responsible for supplying guns in the first place."

United States law enforcement agencies are also carrying out a linked operation in New Jersey.

Craig Watson, a 17-year-old sixth form student, has lived in Wentworth Drive for seven years.

He said: "I was woken up by a police helicopter just circling around and around.

"The police have been taking guns out of his house all day."

Kent County Council spokeswoman Sarah Howe said Wentworth Primary School was operating as usual today despite the early morning drama nearby.

"Both children and staff are at school today with no disruption to their usual routine. Police have reassured parents and staff that at no time were they at risk."

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