Henry Smith MP has praised the efforts of the National Crime Agency (NCA) and police officers from the south east of England in taking criminals, weapons and drugs off our streets.
Dozens of serious criminals across the south east of England have been arrested as part of the United Kingdom’s biggest ever law enforcement operation.
Operation Venetic has seen entire organised crime groups dismantled with almost 750 arrests and the seizure of £54 million of criminal cash, 77 firearms and more than two tonnes of drugs to date.
As part of the major operation the South East Regional Organised Crime Unit has arrested 45 people, seized £3,129,900 in cash, two firearms, 76.8 kg of cocaine, 1.5 kg of heroin and 8 kg of cannabis.
The operation, run by the NCA with help from police forces across the country, involved the infiltration of an encrypted global communications system used by criminals for co-ordinating and distributing their illegal goods.
Henry said;
“This Government will be tough on crime and this major operation shows our agencies will not allow criminals to bring weapons and drugs to our streets.
“I know that people throughout Crawley will join me in thanking our police force for their part in this operation to help keep our streets and families safer from the scourge of crime.
“Of course, this is not the end of the war against crime, but it is a major success and will send the message that we will continue to hunt down criminals and their gangs who are intent on making money and bringing fear to communities through their illegal activities.”
The Home Secretary, Priti Patel, said;
“This operation demonstrates that criminals will not get away with using encrypted devices to plot vile crimes under the radar.
“The NCA’s relentless targeting of these gangs has helped to keep us all safe. I congratulate them and law enforcement partners on this significant achievement.
“I will continue working closely with the NCA and others to tackle the use of such devices – giving them the resources, powers and tools they need to keep our country safe.”
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