Sussex Police collaborated with eight additional police forces in a coordinated effort this month to address criminals using transportation networks for severe crimes.
This three-day initiative, spanning from October 10 to October 12, focused on curtailing organised crime syndicates operating inter-county. In total, 68 arrests were made across all participating forces.
In Sussex, specialized units were mobilized, including the Specialist Enforcement Unit, police canine units, the Immigration ICE team, and the National Police Air Service, all working in tandem to apprehend high-risk offenders.
Sussex officers made arrests related to immigration, narcotics, weapons, and driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Additionally, they undertook vehicle checks, conducted searches, and seized one vehicle, alongside confiscation of weapons, cash, and drugs.
Cumulatively, the operation resulted in the seizure of 26 weapons, over £9,000 in cash, 51 vehicles, and 66 drug-related confiscations across all participating agencies.
Surrey Police Detective Inspector James Ansell, who co-ordinated the operation, said: “While we work across borders and share intelligence with neighbouring forces all year-round, this operation was an intensive effort to pursue some of the south-east’s most dangerous criminals.
“Organised crime groups exploit the most vulnerable and bring violence and misery to our communities, which is why putting a stop to serious and acquisitive crime is a priority we all share.
“Our work does not stop here, and criminals should know that we will relentlessly pursue them until they are brought to justice and our communities are safeguarded from their deplorable crimes.”
Inspector Ollie Pullen from Sussex Police’s Specialist Enforcement Unit said: “In Sussex officers made arrests for a variety of offences which included drugs and weapons offences.
“It shows our determination to disrupt serious and acquisitive criminals operating on our road and rail networks, and demonstrates how we work effectively in partnership with neighbouring forces.”
Officers from Sussex, Surrey, Thames Valley, the Met, Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire, Warwickshire, Northamptonshire and the British Transport Police participated in the operation.
