Police forces from London, Essex, Kent, and British Transport Police joined forces in a major operation on 22 July, targeting violent criminals smuggling drugs on roads and railways.
The three-day blitz resulted in 32 arrests, the seizure of over £40,000 in cash, weapons, and stolen vehicles, as part of efforts to stamp out drug-fuelled violence across London and the southeast.
Using cutting-edge Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) technology around the Dartford Crossing and intelligence-led patrols on trains, officers blocked key drug routes. The Metropolitan Police’s elite squads – including the Violent Crime Taskforce and South East Violence Suppression Unit – worked alongside British Transport Police to disrupt criminals exploiting transport networks.
The operation led to:
- 32 arrests for drug supply, offensive weapons, and drug driving
- Seven offensive weapons seized
- Over £40,000 in cash taken
- 14 vehicles seized and 3 stolen cars recovered
Senior officers involved in the operation have vowed to continue efforts to crush drug-linked violence.
T/Detective Superintendent Shaun White of the Metropolitan Police said: “This operation and arrests are a huge blow to organised crime. Drugs fuel violent crime, so we’re hitting those who bring in and push these drugs on our streets. We’ll keep using tools like ANPR and deploying specialist officers to shut down supply networks.”
Detective Superintendent Mike Worrall from Kent Police added: “Drug dealers ignore county borders, exploiting vulnerable people for profit. We’re smashing these networks across forces to protect communities. We won’t stop until those responsible face justice.”
Chief Inspector Lewis Basford of Essex Police commented: “Working with other forces is vital because crime has no borders. We’re not just enforcing the law; we’re tackling root causes and protecting vulnerable people, especially young folks often groomed into this mess.”
Detective Superintendent Gareth Williams of British Transport Police stated: “Our County Lines Taskforce targets gangs using the railway to transport drugs and exploit children. We’re the glue binding local efforts, hitting criminals on trains and at stations across London, Essex, and Kent.”
Police are urging anyone with information about people carrying weapons or exploiting vulnerable youngsters to come forward. Calls can be made anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. No names are asked and calls are not traced.
The full list of charges from the multi-force operation includes:
- Metropolitan Police: Motor vehicle theft, drug driving, possession of imitation firearm and offensive weapons
- Essex Police: Supply of Class A drugs, dangerous driving, drug driving, vehicle theft
- British Transport Police & Metropolitan South East BCU: Possession of bladed articles, public order offences, Class A & B drug possession
- Kent Police: Possession/supply of Class A and B drugs, public order offences, drug driving, GBH warrant
This joint crackdown sends a clear message that drug supply fuels violence and misery, and police across London and the southeast are committed to eradicating it.
Originally published by UKNIP.
