Five people are in custody following a major drugs bust at a Crayford cannabis farm as cops recover guns, cash, and thousands worth of stolen goods.

On Thursday, May 9, News Shopper

reported how hundreds of officers had descended on a suspected cannabis production site in Thames Road.

We can now reveal that yesterday's raid, involving the Met Police and other partner agencies such as GAIN (Government Agency Intelligence Network), was part of a major joint operation to disrupt a criminal network that has been engaging in drug supply, handling stolen property and stripping or selling stolen vehicles.

News Shopper:

A large number of containers were found at the site

MORE: Police witness appeal over wildlife cruelty in St Paul's Cray

Officers have since recovered eight stolen vehicles, a number of firearms, ammo, cash and a large quantity of stolen goods worth tens of thousands of pounds.

Massive quantities of drugs have also been seized by officers who have since removed the cannabis production plant from the scene.

Three men were arrested on suspicion of handling stolen goods, one man was arrested on suspicion of a firearms offence and one man was arrested on suspicion of production of cannabis.

All have been released under investigation.

News Shopper:

Officers guard the site in Thames Road. Credit: Met Police

In addition to the multiple seizures of stolen goods, the information drawn from this operation will significantly assist in the disruption of criminal gangs across London in the future, according to a Met spokesman.

He added that the initial number of police and partner agencies present at the site was necessary to ensure evidence was not lost during the early stages of the "complex" operation.

He also said that the heavy police presence was quickly reduced once the area was secured and that normal policing activity was not interrupted in any way in any part of London during this operation.

MORE: Wanted Wednesday: Lewisham and Bexley police hunt these four men

Speaking on the success of the operation, Chief Inspector Knight from the South area BCU said: "I am immensely proud of the work of officers and partner agencies in this operation.

"We have disrupted criminal activity across London and have recovered stolen property, drugs and vehicles.

"I am delighted to be able to inform the victims of these offences that there property has been recovered and people arrested in connection with these offences.

"Working alongside The Government Intelligence Network and other partners we have also opened new lines of inquiry which I have no doubt will lead to further police and partner intervention.

"I will continue to work with the new lines of inquiry to target criminals across London and further search warrants and enforcement should be anticipated in coming months."

Following the raid, a GAIN spokesperson said: "By working in partnership, sharing intelligence lawfully and efficiently, the GAIN aims to ensure that government agencies along with police will help reduce the risk, threat and harm from serious and organised crime, in the most cost effective way.

"Today's action follows months of collaborative hard work by GAIN who are dedicated to dismantling crime networks which benefit from inflicting misery on communities."