The two were apprehended in separate raids this morning (Tuesday, September 23rd) as part of Operation Venetic, the NCA-led UK response to the takedown of encrypted messaging platform EncroChat in 2020.
Officers from the NCA apprehended a 44-year-old man at his home in Abbotswood, Guildford, west Surrey.
He was charged with importing cocaine, heroin, and cannabis, conspiring to supply class A and B drugs, possessing a prohibited weapon, and money laundering.
Priti Patel, the Home Secretary, was present to observe the early morning strike.
A second suspect, 40, was arrested in Waltham Cross, Hertfordshire, on suspicion of conspiring to import class A drugs, supplying class A and B drugs, possessing a prohibited weapon, conspiring to sell ammunition, and money laundering.
Both properties, as well as a third in Walthamstow, north east London, were searched. The men are still being questioned.
The organised crime syndicate is thought to have international ties to high-level criminals.
There are undeniable levels of violence and exploitation linked to illegal drugs and firearms in the UK,” said Dean Wallbank, NCA senior investigating officer.
Both threats are National Crime Agency priorities, and we work with partners at home and abroad to combat them.
We believe the two arrested men were part of an organised crime group bringing into the country multi-kilo consignments of class A drugs and firearms.
“Illegal drugs devastate lives, destroy communities, and cost society billions,” said Home Secretary Priti Patel.
Gangs prey on the most vulnerable people in order to conduct their shady business and line their own greedy pockets.
“We will not let this happen again.” That is why, in collaboration with law enforcement partners, we have shut down over 2,400 County Lines since November 2019, made over 8,000 arrests, and assisted over 9,500 people in receiving the assistance they require.
Through the policies and Drugs Strategy that I have led, we are investing over £3 billion in the fight against drugs, assisting in the eradication of drug supply, targeting criminal drug operatives at home and abroad, addressing drug addiction in our communities, and making our streets safer.
