£30,000 Cash Seized and 27 Arrested in Massive Police Crackdown on Violent Crime
In a bold joint police operation, officers seized over £30,000 in cash and arrested 27 suspects to smash violent crime networks trafficking drugs across London, Kent, and Essex.
High-Tech Sting Targets Roads and Rail
On Monday, 8 June, the Metropolitan Police teamed up with Essex, Kent, and British Transport Police to hit criminals hard. Using Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras around the Dartford Crossing, officers stopped every flagged vehicle.
Multiple Met units were involved, including the Violent Crime Taskforce, South East Violence Suppression Unit, Operation Venice, and the Dogs Support Unit. Meanwhile, British Transport Police carried out intelligence-led patrols on trains and key transport hubs to clamp down on drugs moved via rail.
Operation Results – Knives, Cash, and Crooks Off the Streets
- 27 arrests for possession of knives, drugs, and drug supply
- Four knives confiscated
- £32,000 cash seized
- 14 vehicles recovered – uninsured or stolen
Detective Chief Inspector Shaun White of the Met said: “Drugs and violence go hand in hand. Operations like this disrupt the supply chains across the capital. We’re using every tool to hit organised crime groups importing drugs, and those exploiting youngsters to ferry drugs around the UK.”
He added: “There’s often a thin line between suspect and victim in these cases. Our specialist officers ensure no one slips through the cracks. This crackdown is just the start – we’ll keep using ANPR and all lawful powers to tackle violent crime in London.”
Joint Forces United Against County Lines Crime
Detective Superintendent Mike Worrall of Kent Police’s Crime Squad warned: “County lines gangs devastate communities. We have zero tolerance for those exploiting vulnerable people through drugs, violence, and intimidation.”
He stressed the importance of cross-force cooperation: “Combating drug dealing isn’t just Kent’s fight. Working with neighbouring forces helps us bring serious criminals to justice.”
Essex Police Chief Inspector Lewis Basford echoed this, saying: “Road and rail networks are crime arteries. We disrupted a number of offenders, including those involved in drug-driving and serious traffic offences linked to violent crime.”
British Transport Police on the Frontline
Detective Superintendent Gareth Williams of the British Transport Police said: “Since December, we’ve stepped up operations targeting county lines drug trafficking and the exploitation of children on the rail network.
Monday’s operation continues our push to make the transport system hostile territory for organised criminals.”
Police Appeal to the Public
Despite pandemic challenges, Met officers remain relentless in the fight against violence and drug crime. Authorities urge anyone with information about weapons carriers, exploiters, or drug dealers to come forward and help keep communities safe.
