Copenhagen Vestegn Police this morning raided 40 addresses associated with gangs. The addresses are primarily in Høje Gladsaxe, Skovlunde and Værebro.
The raid was co-ordinated by Task Force East, Copenhagen Police, North Zealand Police, the national police organisation Rigspolitiet, Copenhagen Vestegn Police and the tax authorities, Skat.
Chief superintendent Bent Isager-Nielsen said the raids, the second carried out this week, were meant to send a clear message to gang members.
“The gangs have to understand and feel that the police and society at large are going to take a strong stance against their crimes and unacceptable behaviour,” said Isager-Nielsen.
By 11:00, the police had already arrested 16 people and confiscated two machine guns, two other guns and some ammunition.
The raid follows several weeks of shooting and violent disputes in the gang community. Just last night in Ballerup, a 30-year old man was stabbed in the groin and is currently in a critical condition. Police, however, have not yet confirmed whether the incident is connected to the gang disturbances.
The raid is part of a big police action aimed at gangs and apart from the raid today, police in Copenhagen and Vestegnen have prolonged their stop-and-search zone ordinances until March 26.