MORE THAN 80 arrests have been made during a major operation involving the joint work of nine police forces to disrupt drug gangs.
Over three days last week (January13-15), officers were deployed across key motorways and routes, where they used Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) technology and intelligence-led tactics to identify vehicles linked to serious crime.
This resulted in 86 arrests for offences including possession of class A and class B drugs, assault, theft of motor vehicle and driving offences.
Officers also seized around £7,500 in cash, completed 50 drug seizures and more than 50 vehicles were taken off the road during the operation.
Officers from the British Transport Police, City of London, Essex, Hampshire, Hertfordshire, Kent, the Metropolitan Police, Surrey, and Thames Valley were involved in the operation to target county lines gangs and criminals travelling across counties.
Specialist teams involved included the Violent Crime Taskforce, Tactical Firearms Officers, Dog Support Unit, Roads and Transport Policing Command, and Specialist Crime officers.
In the Thames Valley area, the force made four arrests, seized four vehicles, seized one weapon, and illegal drugs were also seized.
Detective Superintendent Clare Smith, of Hertfordshire Police who were leading the operation, said: “We’re always working with neighbouring forces and other forces up and down the country to tackle criminals who travel into Hertfordshire causing harm.
“This operation demonstrates the power of collaboration. By working together across multiple forces, we’ve sent a clear message to criminals who exploit our road networks: you will be found, and you will be brought to justice.
“I want to thank the forces involved for their tireless work to make sure it was a success.
“County lines gangs cause immense harm, exploiting vulnerable people and driving violence in our communities.
“By combining intelligence and resources, we’ve made it harder than ever for these criminals to operate.”
Thames Valley Police’s operational lead, Detective Chief Inspector Sally Spencer said: “The success of this operation is through the sharing of intelligence across police forces in order to disrupt drug gangs across the south east.
“Our message to drug gangs is clear: we know who you are and it is only a matter of time before you are arrested.
“We work with our local communities in tackling drug offences, therefore if you have any information about drug dealing in your community then please contact Thames Valley Police.
“You can visit a police station, call 101, or leave information via our website.
“Alternatively, you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously at www.crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling 0800 555 111.”
