£2 Million Cash and 800 Weapons Snatched in Massive Kent Knife Crime Blitz
Kent cops have smashed knife crime with a staggering haul of almost £2 million in cash and 800 weapons seized during a fierce crackdown on violent crime and drug supply.
Thousands of Arrests and Dozens of Drug Busts
Between June 14 and December 3, 2019, Kent police arrested 1,441 suspects and bagged 684 drug seizures, including huge busts of heroin and cocaine. The drive follows Chief Constable Alan Pughsley’s pledge earlier this year to fight rising violent crime, stepping up patrols and boosting the number of Taser-trained officers across the county.
Zero Tolerance on Knife Crime
Superintendent Mick Gardner, head of Tactical Operations Command, said: “We remain committed to a robust, proactive and zero tolerance approach to knife crime. Carrying a weapon on our streets is never justified, and we will continue using uniformed and plain-clothed officers to catch and deter criminals.”
Operation Raptor Teams Hit Hard on County Lines
- Kent Police is teaming up with British Transport Police and neighbouring forces to tackle knife and drug offences.
- Specialist Operation Raptor teams have executed 341 search warrants targeting county lines gangs.
- Recent arrests include a 19-year-old Londoner busted in Chatham with a hunting-style knife and a sword linked to drugs and robbery.
- In a recent court victory, Croydon county lines dealer Jaisha Williams was jailed for nearly eight years after heroin and crack cocaine were found hidden in a car’s air vents in Dover.
“Keep Away or Face Arrest” – Police Warn Outsiders
Supt Gardner added: “We’re fighting to keep communities safe. Many suspects are outsiders who travel into Kent to supply drugs and exploit vulnerable people. We’re making it harder for them to operate here. My message to these criminals is clear – stay away or you will be arrested and prosecuted.”
