Plymouth police involved in drugs raids as part of nationwide operation
Several properties in the city were searched, as well as in London, Bristol and Aberdeen
Plymouth police have been involved in drugs raids, as part of a nationwide operation led by the Metropolitan Police.
Several properties in the city were searched yesterday (Wednesday 24 March), as well as in London, Bristol and Aberdeen.
Approximately £150,000 in cash, 20 kilograms of Class A and B drugs and a suspected firearm were seized.
The operation has been months in the making and involved officers from six different forces.
The drugs recovered were heroin, cocaine, crack cocaine and cannabis.
Officers from the Metropolitan Police, Kent Police, Essex Police, Avon and Somerset Police, Devon and Cornwall Police and Police Scotland executed 29 warrants yesterday morning to arrest individuals involved in the sale and distribution of Class A and B drugs.
16 people, aged between 25 and 43, were arrested and taken into custody. The arrests were on suspicion of conspiracy to supply Class A and B drugs; one of those detained has also been arrested on suspicion of possession of a firearm.
Henderson Place, Union Street, Lester Close and Kit Hill Crescent
Detective Inspector Tom Pearse, from the Met's Specialist Crime Command, said:
"The supply and distribution of drugs doesn't contain itself within the M25. It’s a fluid and toxic commodity that leaks out into the Home Counties and beyond, often leaving a trail of violence in its wake. By collaborating with other police forces, we have removed those in the middle levels, as well as those at the top of the chain who were making in excess of a million pounds a year."
The operation started in April 2020 when officers received intelligence that a number of individuals in Hackney, east London were involved in supply Class A drugs.
Through a number of tactics, they established the network’s supply routes across the UK and the individuals responsible for coordinating the supply in the regions.
Yesterday's arrests mean that this particular criminal network are no longer able to operate and officers will be seeking to seize assets accrued via their criminal activities.
DI Pearse added: "These arrests will play a significant part in disrupting the drugs supply market and play a fundamental part in tackling violent crime in London and the surrounding areas.
"The proactive team responsible for delivering this operation have investigated the criminal network with tenacity and vigour, working long and anti-social hours week after week. After today they will move onto the next network and start the process over. It remains the case that there is no loyalty within the drug supply network and those involved in this exploitative trade.
"I would encourage anyone with information around drug supply and associated violence to share it with their local neighbourhood team or with Crime Stoppers if they wish to remain anonymous."