The battle to get former legal high spice off the streets of Westminster has intensified as six arrests have been made during morning raids.

On Tuesday (June 27), Metropolitan Police carried out four search warrants at addresses in Lambeth, Ilford, Westminster and Dagenham. A quantity of spice, ready for supply, was recovered at an address in Ilford.

Five men, aged 38, 30, 32, 48 and 45 and a 19-year-old woman were arrested for drug offences, including the supply of class B drugs (spice) and being concerned in the supply of class B drugs (spice).

Met Police has been actively targeting those concerned in the supply of the synthetic cannabinoid in Westminster since the launch of Operation Spatha on March 7, alongside ongoing multi-agency Operation Kaskara.

The force says further suspects, throughout London, the UK and Europe, are being actively sought for similar offences.

It is known as 'Mamba' or 'Bombay Blue', among many other names

A statement from Met Police said: "Officers have witnessed first-hand the dangers of the drug, including a number of vulnerable people collapsing in the street, or falling unconscious; as well as an increase in anti-social behaviour and violent crime associated with use of the drug.

"Westminster Neighbourhoods Policing teams have relentlessly been tackling anti-social behaviour in the area, in order to stem violence and injury associated with the taking of psychoactive substances."

Chief Superintendent Peter Ayling, Westminster’s Borough Commander, said: "Spice has a devastating impact on users who are often very vulnerable and it has increased the demand on public services.

"Those dealing spice often don’t know what they are selling and have little regard for the terrible effect this substance has on people and the community.

"Operation Spatha has been a great success and we will continue to make the lives of thoughtless and opportunistic dealers very uncomfortable."

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