Metropolitan Police launches operation Vitality ahead of Notting Hill Carnival

LONDON: The Metropolitan Police will be executing over 200 search warrants across London to target and disrupt those aiming to use the upcoming Notting Hill Carnival as a cover for committing crime and violence.

A statement issued by the Metropolitan Police on Wednesday claimed, 55 people have been arrested as part of Operation Vitality; the intelligence-led operation designed to keep the 50th Notting Hill Carnival safe for both those attending and those taking part in the celebration.

Officers in Lambeth executed 11 warrants and arrested 5 individuals on suspicion of possession of class-A drugs and two for possession of class-B drugs along with a cash seizure of approximately £2,000.

During a raid in Barnet officers recovered a firearm and arrested four individuals. In a separate raid in the same area two suspected were arrested on suspicion of possession of ammunition and possession with intent to supply class-B drugs. 

Officers also seized two machetes from an address in Camden.

Operation Vitality runs in tandem with the Met's Trident Gang Crime Command which provides enhanced intelligence, enforcement and diversion activity for the most harmful gang members in London.

Superintendent Robyn Williams, the Met’s spokesperson for the Notting Hill Carnival said, "Well over one million people attend the Notting Hill Carnival every year; given these huge numbers, crime is low. What we want is for those one million people to enjoy the event without worrying about the crime and violence that has been caused by the small minority in the past.

Borough commander Tariq Sarwar, of Kensington and Chelsea said, "Carnival is a fantastic event bringing many visitors to the borough from around the world to take part in the festivities. I appreciate that the celebrations together with the high volume of people passing through the area will have an impact on local businesses and residents. 

“Today’s operation will ensure that some of those persons intent on causing harm and disruption to the Carnival will be prevented from doing so. This will help to ensure that those people who are there to enjoy themselves can do so and it will enable the area to be returned to normality at the earliest for the local businesses and resident," Sarwar added.