£32k Cash Seized and 27 Arrested in Huge Police Crackdown on Violent Crime
Massive joint operation hits violent criminals smuggling drugs across London, Kent, and Essex.
Multi-Force Blitz Targets Road and Rail Drug Runners
On Monday 8 June, the Met Police teamed up with Essex, Kent, and British Transport Police for a major swoop. Their mission? Snare violent crooks using roads and trains to ferry drugs in and out of the capital and surrounding counties.
Using cutting-edge Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras around the Dartford Crossing, officers stopped every flagged vehicle. Specialist units from the Met’s Violent Crime Taskforce, South East Violence Suppression Unit, Operation Venice, Dogs Support Unit, and others swung into action. Meanwhile, British Transport Police carried out intelligence-led patrols on trains and transport hubs to catch drug traffickers on the rails.
Operation Results: Arrests, Knives, Cash and Stolen Cars
- 27 arrests for possession of drugs, blades and supply offences
- Four deadly knives recovered
- £32,000 in cash seized
- 14 vehicles recovered – including uninsured and stolen cars
Police Chiefs Speak Out on the Crime Fight
Detective Chief Inspector Shaun White, Metropolitan Police:
“Drugs and violence are tightly linked, so hitting drug supply is key. Our officers use every tactic, from ANPR to specialist teams, to dismantle rings exploiting vulnerable people. There’s often a fine line between suspect and victim, which is why specialist support is vital. This joint operation shows our dedication to stopping violent crime in London. We won’t stop.”
Detective Superintendent Mike Worrall, Kent Police:
“County lines gangs devastate communities, preying on the vulnerable with exploitation and violence. Kent Police takes zero tolerance on dealers and exploiters. Tackling drug crime requires teamwork across forces, and this operation shows our commitment to bringing offenders to justice.”
Chief Inspector Lewis Basford, Essex Police:
“Criminals use road and rail networks as lifelines for drugs and serious crime. We disrupted a number of offenders linked to violent and traffic crimes. Crime knows no borders – working with other forces is vital to stop organised criminals.”
Detective Superintendent Gareth Williams, British Transport Police:
“Since December, we’ve ramped up operations against county lines on the rail network. This fight targets the violence and child exploitation all too often connected to drug gangs. Monday’s action is part of making transport networks hostile territory for criminals.”
Police Call for Public’s Help
Despite pandemic challenges, officers remain relentless in tackling violent crime and drug dealers. Police urge anyone with info about weapons, exploitation or drug crimes to come forward. The fight to protect communities and young lives continues.
