Major UK Drugs Bust Sees 16 Arrested Across Four Cities
Police have smashed a nationwide drug network, seizing heroin, cocaine, crack cocaine, cannabis, and a suspected handgun. The dramatic raids took place from London to Aberdeen, Plymouth to Bristol.
29 Warrants, 16 Arrests: The Operation Unfolds
- 29 warrants executed across London, Kent, Essex, Avon & Somerset, Devon & Cornwall, and Scotland
- 20 warrants hit London addresses, including Hackney and Enfield
- 16 suspects aged 25-43 arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to supply Class A and B drugs
- One individual also held for suspected firearm possession
The biggest haul came from an address in Foxley Close, E8, where police recovered the suspected handgun alongside hard drugs.
Detective Inspector: “Drugs Supply Doesn’t Stop at the M25”
“The supply and distribution of drugs doesn’t contain itself within the M25. It’s a fluid and toxic commodity that leaks out into the Home Counties and beyond, often leaving a trail of violence in its wake,” said Detective Inspector Tom Pearse of the Met’s Specialist Crime Command.
DI Pearse revealed the operation began back in April 2020 after intelligence pointed to Hackney-based drug dealers. Officers uncovered supply routes stretching from London to Scotland and the West Country—taking down mid-level dealers and kingpins making over £1 million a year.
Cracking Down on Crime and Violence
“These arrests will play a significant part in disrupting the drug supply market and tackling violent crime in London and beyond,” Pearse added.
The team worked tirelessly, often during anti-social hours, to dismantle this network. Now, they’re moving on to the next gang.
He urged the public to speak up: “There is no loyalty in this trade. Anyone with info should contact their local police or Crime Stoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”
List of Addresses Raided
Warrants were executed at these locations:
- Cropley Street, Hackney, N1
- Meadow Walk, South Woodford, Redbridge, E18
- Leatherhead Close, Hackney, N16
- Longbridge Road, Barking, IG11
- Foxley Close, E8
- Homerton Road, Hackney, E9
- Cortland Close, Ilford, IG8
- Hatton Gardens, EC1N
- Dunnock Close, Edmonton, Enfield, N9
- Harleston Close, E5
- Hoe Lane, Enfield, EN3
- River Gardens Walk, SE10
- Marks Road, Romford, RM7
- Southwold Road, Hackney, E5
- Amhurst Park, N16
- Shaftesbury Street, Hackney, N1
- Highbury Grange, Islington, N5
- Harrington Hill, E5
- Forest Drive West, Leytonstone, E11
- Amhurst Road, Hackney, E8
- Henderson Place, Plymouth, PL2
- Union Street, Plymouth, PL1
- Craigie Drive, Plymouth, PL1
- Kit Hill Crescent, Plymouth, PL5
- Viburnum Crescent, Almondsbury, Bristol, BS32
- Elizabeth II Avenue, Berkhamsted, HP4
- Oliver Road, Shenfield, Essex, CM15
- St Anne’s Road, Mountnessing, Brentwood, CM15
- Hillview Road, Aberdeen, AB15
