£40,000 Cash Seized and 32 Arrests in Major Drug Crime Crackdown
Police forces from London, Essex, Kent, and British Transport joined forces in a massive operation targeting drug supply and violent crime on roads and railways. Over £40,000 in cash was seized and 32 suspects were arrested.
Joint Forces Hit Violent Drug Networks
On 22 July, officers from the Metropolitan Police teamed up with Essex, Kent, and British Transport Police. They used Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras around Dartford Crossing and intelligence to intercept vehicles linked to violent crime and drug trafficking.
Specialist units involved included:
- Metropolitan Police’s Operation Venice and Violent Crime Taskforce
- South East Violence Suppression Unit
- Dogs Support Unit
- Roads and Transport Policing Command
- British Transport Police’s intelligence-led patrols on trains and at transport hubs
Key Results from the Three-Day Operation
- 32 arrests for possession of offensive weapons, class A drug supply, drug driving, and other offences
- Seven offensive weapons recovered, including knives and an imitation firearm
- More than £40,000 cash seized
- 14 vehicles seized for motoring offences, plus three stolen vehicles recovered
“Through joint partnership work, we arrested 32 individuals and seized over 1kg of class A drugs, knives, and firearms at London’s borders,” said T/Detective Superintendent Shaun White of the Metropolitan Police. “Drugs drive violent crime and we’re relentless in shutting down supply chains.”
Shared Fight Across Borders
Detective Superintendent Mike Worrall of Kent Police’s Crime Squad added:
“Drug dealers don’t care about county lines. They exploit vulnerable people and protect their operations with violence. Tackling these networks requires seamless cooperation between forces – and that’s exactly what we’re delivering.”
Essex Police Chief Inspector Lewis Basford said:
“We’re making Essex a no-go zone for dealers by using every tactic possible. This isn’t just about enforcement. We also work with youth services and charities to stop people from falling into drug crime in the first place.”
British Transport Police’s Detective Superintendent Gareth Williams highlighted the railway’s role:
“Gangs use trains to move drugs and exploit children. Our taskforce partners with local forces to put pressure on these networks at every stage – from stations to street corners.”
How You Can Help Tackle Crime
Authorities urge the public to provide any information on drug crime, weapons, or exploitation. You can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 — no names, no trace.
Full Arrest Breakdown
- Metropolitan Police: Arrests include drug driving, possession of imitation firearms and offensive weapons, theft of motor vehicles.
- Essex Police: Arrests for drug supply, drug driving, dangerous driving, theft, vehicle offences.
- British Transport & SE BCU (Met): Arrests for possession of offensive weapons, supply of Class B drugs, public order offences.
- Kent Police: Arrests include possession with intent to supply Class B drugs, wanted suspects for GBH, public order offences, and drug driving.
This cross-force blitz sends a clear message: violent crime linked to drugs will be hunted down and crushed.
