Armed police seized a revolver wrapped in a bandana on Bermondsey’s Southwark Park Road after stopping a taxi yesterday evening.
Two men, aged 22 and 18, passengers inside the taxi, were arrested on suspicion of possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life.
The pair remained in custody on Wednesday afternoon.
The Met’s DC Rob Smith said the weapon, which has been made safe and sent off for testing by cops, could have easily gone on to kill someone.
“As a result of this investigation, a dangerous weapon has been taken off the streets. This weapon could have easily gone on to seriously injure, or even kill, somebody,” he said.
“Firearms have absolutely no place on our streets and their removal makes London a safer place for all.
“I want the public to be reassured that even during these challenging times, the Met remains committed to tackling violent crime and seizing weapons such as this one.
“We will continue to crackdown on criminals and bring them to justice.”
Cops from the Met’s Specialist Crime Command are continuing to investigate.