Four people have been arrested and suspected drugs and a weapon recovered during a joint police and council operation targeting suspected criminal activity in Brixton.
Lambeth Council and the Metropolitan Police carried out the operation on Thursday 15 October, focusing on suspected drug dealing, weapons and criminal activity linked to local business premises.
Four police warrants were executed during the operation, while two business premises were served with closure notices.
Suspected Class A and Class B drugs and a weapon were recovered, according to the information released by the council.
The operation brought together police officers and Lambeth Council’s licensing and trading standards teams as part of efforts to address concerns about crime and community safety in Brixton town centre.
Council officers carried out formal licensing inspections, spoke to staff and gathered evidence about how the businesses were being run and whether they were complying with their legal obligations.
The council is now reviewing the evidence collected during the operation and considering whether further regulatory action is appropriate. This could include a review of a premises licence.
The involvement of licensing and trading standards teams means action could continue beyond the police operation, with the council able to consider regulatory measures relating to the businesses involved.
Cllr Jonathan Bartley, Lambeth Council’s Cabinet Member for Safer, Thriving Neighbourhoods, said residents and businesses had raised concerns about the effects of drug dealing and other criminal activity.
‘Everyone deserves to feel safe in their neighbourhood, and residents and businesses in Brixton have been clear with us about the impact that drug dealing and other criminal activity is having on their lives.
‘We are listening, and we are acting. This operation shows the importance of the council and police working together, combining our different powers and responsibilities to make a real difference. Our council officers have played an important role, not just in supporting the immediate operation but in gathering evidence that will help us take further action where necessary.
‘The overwhelming majority of businesses in Brixton make a positive contribution to our community. But where there is evidence that premises are being used for criminal activity, we will not hesitate to use the powers available to us.
‘This isn’t just about individual enforcement operations. It’s about sustained, joined-up work with the police, local businesses and residents to address the problems that undermine people’s safety and confidence in their neighbourhoods.
‘We want Brixton to be a place where everyone feels safe, where responsible businesses can thrive, and where residents can see that their concerns are being taken seriously.’
The operation forms part of joint efforts by the council and police to tackle suspected criminal activity and improve safety in the town centre.
The council’s review of the evidence will determine whether any additional licensing or regulatory action is taken.
Photo: scharfsascha
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