Police seized around £80,000 in cash after stopping two vehicles as part of an operation.

Specialist Crime officers, along with the Met’s Spider Unit, stopped two vehicles driving in convoy in Staples Corner, Barnet on Wednesday, April 8 just before 7.30pm.

Officers searched the vehicles and found a holdall containing approximately £80,000 in cash.

Five men, aged 29, 21, 22, 24 and 23 were arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit robbery.

Two 24-year-old men were also arrested at Heathrow Airport as they were trying to flee the country on suspicion of the same offence.

All seven men were taken to north London police stations where they remain in custody.

Detective Chief Inspector Driss Hayoukane, from Specialist Crime, said: “This investigation involved excellent police and team work, which resulted in seven people being arrested.

“I’d like to reassure Londoners that even during these unprecedented times, we are still cracking down on criminals and we will continue to do so.”

Enquiries are continuing.