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Five individuals have been arrested and charged by Metropolitan Police officers following the seizure of a significant quantity of cannabis at Stansted Airport in January.
The operation, spearheaded by officers from a newly established proactive policing team based in Hayes, targeted serious offences and organized crime in west London.
Border Force officers at Stansted Airport intercepted two shipments of cannabis, totalling 390 kilograms and valued at £3.9 million, on January 26 and 27. Additionally, a previous delivery of 300 kilograms of a substance believed to be cannabis was traced to an address in Hayes on January 11, forming part of the ongoing investigation.
Swift action was taken by Met officers in the aftermath of these seizures. On February 1, warrants were executed at industrial units in Hayes and Northolt. Three men and one juvenile were apprehended in Hayes, while another individual was arrested in Northolt after being stopped by police while driving a van.
Four men, aged between 28 and 58 and hailing from west London, have been charged with importing cannabis under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971. They made their initial court appearance at Willesden Magistrates’ Court on February 3 and were remanded in custody pending a hearing at Harrow Crown Court on March 1.
A fifth male, aged 17, also appeared at Willesden Magistrates’ Court facing charges of importing cannabis and was subsequently released on bail.
In response to the operation, a Metropolitan Police spokesperson stated, “Drugs ruin lives, that’s why the Met is committed to transforming how we keep communities safe.” They directed readers to learn more about the Met’s approach to addressing local priorities through their initiative, “A New Met for London.
The arrests and charges mark a significant blow against organized drug trafficking and underscore the Met’s dedication to combating drug-related crime to ensure the safety and well-being of communities across London.
