Police dealt a significant blow to county lines drug gangs with a major haul including £50,000 in cash, drugs, and firearms seized across Kent and London. The operation culminated in 42 arrests following raids on 38 properties during a two-day enforcement blitz.
Over 150 officers participated in coordinated raids spanning Medway, Thanet, Folkestone, Ashford, Tonbridge, Maidstone, as well as London, Surrey, and Sussex. The Metropolitan Police Service and British Transport Police supported the efforts to dismantle the criminal networks.
Key seizures from the operation included a three-kilogram package of Class A heroin found in Goose Close, Chatham, and £50,000 in cash discovered stuffed inside a rucksack at Magpie Hall Road, Chatham. Additional cash and cocaine were recovered from Solomon Road, Rainham. In London, a handgun, live ammunition, heroin, and amphetamines were confiscated from a flat on Federation Road, Abbey Wood. Imitation firearms were also found in a car in Orpington linked to an address on Lower Road.
Raids in Ramsgate resulted in six offenders being arrested and 130 wraps of drugs seized. Simultaneous operations in London’s Mitcham and Brockley areas led to multiple arrests connected to the Kent drug supply chain.
Chief Constable Alan Pughsley commented: “There are around 39 active county line networks in Kent, mostly run from London. Our ongoing targeting and disruption efforts are making it much harder for gangs to entrench themselves. These criminals care nothing for the violence they stir, but our intelligence on their activities is sharp and ever-growing. It’s only a matter of time before they land behind bars for long terms. We’re investing heavily in dedicated officers and working closely with partners to bring all levels of this vile trade to justice.”
The operation sends a clear message that authorities are intensifying efforts to close in on street dealers and the kingpins behind trafficking routes. Police vow to relentlessly pursue those responsible for supplying heroin and crack cocaine, aiming to reduce the harm caused to communities across the region.
Originally published by UKNIP.
