British police today smashed a Colombian drug gang believed to be the biggest ever to target the UK.
The cartel, which has been flooding the UK with cocaine for years, was taken out in a series of raids in both countries. A total of 23 raids were launched in London and up to another 25 in Colombia.
They included the homes of suspects, and businesses used to launder drug money.
Detectives said busting the cartel, which is based near Cali, was expected to have a "massive impact" on the price of cocaine in the UK.
About 100 police officers were involved in this morning's raids in London, which were co-ordinated with the raids in Colombia.
Most of those held in London were foreign nationals from South America but some had leave to remain. They were living deliberately "low key" lifestyles to avoid attracting attention and some were women.
The cartel was hunted down by Scotland Yard's elite and secretive Special Projects Unit, whose existence was only made public last week.
PA