Nearly £2 Million and 800 Weapons Seized in Major Kent Knife Crime Crackdown
Kent Police have smashed a massive knife crime and drug supply ring, seizing close to £2 million in cash and around 800 weapons. The hard-hitting operation is making Kent streets safer and sending a clear warning to criminals.
1,400 Arrests and Hundreds of Drug Seizures
Between June 14 and December 3, 2019, officers arrested 1,441 suspects and made 684 drug busts, hitting hard at heroin and cocaine supplies. This crackdown follows Chief Constable Alan Pughsley’s pledge to tackle violent crime head-on, including arming more officers with Tasers across the county.
Zero Tolerance on Knife Crime
“There can never be any justification for anyone to carry a weapon on our streets,” said Superintendent Mick Gardner. “We’re committed to a robust, zero-tolerance approach and will use uniformed and plain-clothes officers to catch and deter criminals.”
Operation Raptor Hits County Lines
Working with British Transport Police and neighbours, Kent’s specialist Operation Raptor teams have executed 341 search warrants targeting county lines drug dealers. Among recent arrests was a 19-year-old Londoner picked up in Chatham with a hunting knife and sword linked to drug supply and robbery.
In a landmark case, Croydon dealer Jaisha Williams was sentenced to nearly eight years for trafficking heroin and crack cocaine hidden in car vents in Dover.
Message to Criminals: Keep Out or Face Justice
Supt Gardner warned: “We’re determined to keep Kent safe by shutting down criminals travelling here to supply drugs and exploit vulnerable people. We’re making it tougher for them every day. My message is simple — stay away, or you will be arrested and prosecuted.”
Kent Police’s crackdown sends a strong message: the county’s streets won’t be a playground for knife carriers or drug dealers.
