Police were out before the crack of dawn in at least three Toronto neighbourhoods on Thursday conducting an operation focused on illegal weapons.

A series of pre-dawn raids happened in several spots including the area near Jane St. and Wilson Ave.

Officers with the Guns and Gangs task force are involved, probing the areas for firearms.

At least one person has been taken into custody, but it's unclear if they face any charges.

Police say though that they're not investigating in connection with a particular homicide case, but looking to clear guns off the streets.

One area in the city's northwest has been plagued by gun violence in recent weeks, with at least eight murders and countless other shootings raising fears of a gang war there.