Mass Arrests in UK Crime Crackdown
Nearly 100 National Crime Agency officers launched a massive UK-wide swoop today (Wednesday 3 March) targeting a Western Balkan organised crime gang. The action followed an eight-month investigation by Thames Valley Police into drug trafficking, fraud, money laundering, and modern slavery.
20 Arrested Across England
- 20 suspects were arrested in early morning raids at homes in Birmingham, Reading, Blackburn, Sunderland, and London.
- A 36-year-old man, believed to be one of the gang’s leaders, was caught in Birmingham on suspicion of conspiracy to produce and supply class B drugs.
- Two cannabis factories were uncovered in Sunderland, resulting in arrests.
- Another cannabis operation was found in North London, where two Albanian nationals were detained.
- An additional suspect was arrested in Blackburn at a former cannabis production site.
Police Teams Join Forces
The swoop involved NCA specialists, including dog handlers and forensic officers, working closely with Thames Valley Police and the South Eastern Regional Organised Crime Unit (SEROCU).
“Today’s activity highlights just how seriously we are taking the threat from Western Balkan organised crime groups. They are involved in serious criminality including class A drug trafficking, organised immigration crime and corruption,” said NCA Deputy Director Andrea Wilson.
Detective Inspector Natalie Hall of Thames Valley Police added, “This partnership working is vital for disrupting the most harmful criminals. Months of hard work have culminated in these arrests. We want to warn those involved in drug supply and exploitation: we know who you are and where you are. We will bring you to justice.”
Public Help Urged
Thames Valley Police urge the public to report any suspicions about drug supply. You can call 101, report online, or provide anonymous information to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
