A suspected high-level member of one of Britain’s most notorious organised crime families was arrested in Highgate in a dawn raid today.

Police stormed a one bedroom basement flat in Highgate West Hill before 6am, arresting a 24-year-old man, thought to be an “enforcer” for the infamous Clerkenwell-based Adams gang.

The arrest was one of 14 across the capital as six shotguns, a handgun, and nearly £200,000 in cash was seized from 22 properties.

Among those taken into custody was notorious gang boss Sean “Tommy” Adams, who was escorted from his £2million Islington home at about 8am.

More than 200 officers were involved in the offensive, knowledge of which was limited to one specialist unit due to past allegations of the gang bribing police officials.

Det Chf Sup Tom Manson of the MPS’s specialist, organised and economic crime command, said: “The links between this gang and serious and violent crime are well documented as is their strong influence across London, and, we believe, connections to criminals across Britain and Europe.

“For too long organised gangs have used advances in technology that have allowed them to hide their criminal gains and some even believe they can escape justice by bribing those who enforce the law.

“We believe they are laundering the profits from crime and using this money to commit other money-spinning offences.

“This is cash which can be used to fund further crime and provide luxurious lifestyles.” The arrests were linked to conspiracy to assault, money-laundering, fraud and revenue offences, while properties raided included solicitors and property development firms.

The offensive, codenamed ­Octopod, started on Tuesday night as officers seized the contents of a safe deposit box in central London, finding £25,000 in cash and three watches with a combined value of more than £60,000.

Yesterday morning police ­uncovered a safe containing about £100,000 and seized guns, financial correspondence, computers, digital media and telephones.

“Detectives have worked over many months to painstakingly follow money trails that link property ventures and crime,” said Det Chf Sup Manson.

“Some of those arrested today are believed to behind the finance part of the crime gang, involving working as accountants, mortgage brokers and property developers.

“This operation and others like it are the Met’s response.

“Any criminal gang operating in London needs to know that we will tackle them head on and hit them where it hurts most, by seizing their cash and assets.”