A total of 33 people have been arrested as part of this morning’s police operation targeting gang crime and drug supply which could affect Notting Hill Carnival.

Arrests are still being made but the 33 people so far have been accused of offences including possession with intent to supply Class A drugs and firearms offences. Officers have also seized more than £50,000 from various addresses across London.

Forty rocks of what is believed to be crack cocaine was seized from an address in Westminster and a search of a home in Parkfield Road, Lambeth resulted in police seizing three suspected live firearms believed to be a mach 10 machine gun, a sten gun machine gun, a handgun and a quantity of ammunition. They also recovered a large amount of crack cocaine and cash.

The raids on over 170 homes started at 4am today (August 19) and come just days before thousands of people descend on Notting Hill for the Carnival .

Many of those arrested will be banned from attending the two-day extravaganza which for most is a fun celebration of the Carribbean culture but for some presented an opportunity for drugs and violence.

Highly-skilled officers, known as ‘super recognisers’ will be at Carnival and in the CCTV control room looking for anyone banned from the event.

Chief Superintendent Robyn Williams, the Met’s spokesperson for Notting Hill Carnival, said: “We are committed to ensuring that Notting Hill Carnival remains a safe, vibrant and enjoyable event. Today’s operation was aimed at ensuring that those who set out with the intention of causing trouble at Carnival will not succeed. By once again using our team of super recognisers, we will quickly be able to identify and remove anyone prohibited from the event.

“If you know anyone who is planning to use Notting Hill Carnival to commit crime, please call Crimestoppers anonymously to help us keep the event a safe celebration.”

The free phone Crimestoppers telephone number is 0800 555 111.

In the days leading up to Carnival on August 24 and 25, the Met will be sending out basic crime prevention tweets on @metpoliceuk