Police forces from London, Essex, Kent, and British Transport Police joined forces in a large-scale operation targeting drug supply and violent crime on roads and railways. Over £40,000 in cash was seized and 32 suspects were arrested during the crackdown.
On 22 July, officers from the Metropolitan Police collaborated with Essex, Kent, and British Transport Police. They used Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras around Dartford Crossing alongside intelligence to intercept vehicles linked to violent crime and drug trafficking.
Specialist units involved in the operation included the Metropolitan Police’s Operation Venice and Violent Crime Taskforce, the South East Violence Suppression Unit, the Dogs Support Unit, the Roads and Transport Policing Command, and British Transport Police’s intelligence-led patrols on trains and at transport hubs.
Key results from the three-day operation were:
- 32 arrests for possession of offensive weapons, class A drug supply, drug driving, and other offences
- Seven offensive weapons recovered, including knives and an imitation firearm
- More than £40,000 cash seized
- 14 vehicles seized for motoring offences, plus three stolen vehicles recovered
“Through joint partnership work, we arrested 32 individuals and seized over 1kg of class A drugs, knives, and firearms at London’s borders,” said T/Detective Superintendent Shaun White of the Metropolitan Police. “Drugs drive violent crime and we’re relentless in shutting down supply chains.”
Detective Superintendent Mike Worrall of Kent Police’s Crime Squad added: “Drug dealers don’t care about county lines. They exploit vulnerable people and protect their operations with violence. Tackling these networks requires seamless cooperation between forces – and that’s exactly what we’re delivering.”
Essex Police Chief Inspector Lewis Basford said: “We’re making Essex a no-go zone for dealers by using every tactic possible. This isn’t just about enforcement. We also work with youth services and charities to stop people from falling into drug crime in the first place.”
British Transport Police’s Detective Superintendent Gareth Williams highlighted the railway’s role: “Gangs use trains to move drugs and exploit children. Our taskforce partners with local forces to put pressure on these networks at every stage – from stations to street corners.”
Authorities urge the public to provide any information on drug crime, weapons, or exploitation. You can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 — no names, no trace.
Full arrest breakdown by force:
- Metropolitan Police: Arrests include drug driving, possession of imitation firearms and offensive weapons, theft of motor vehicles.
- Essex Police: Arrests for drug supply, drug driving, dangerous driving, theft, vehicle offences.
- British Transport & South East BCU (Metropolitan Police): Arrests for possession of offensive weapons, supply of Class B drugs, public order offences.
- Kent Police: Arrests include possession with intent to supply Class B drugs, wanted suspects for GBH, public order offences, and drug driving.
This cross-force blitz sends a clear message: violent crime linked to drugs will be hunted down and crushed.
Originally published by UKNIP.
