85 arrested in Met-led operation to tackle serious violence

A three-day operation which intercepted criminal gangs involved in drug supply has resulted in 85 arrests and 85 vehicles seized.

The Metropolitan Police Service joined with seven other forces as part of ‘Operation Pandilla’, targeting known gang members and criminals utilising the road network through automatic number plate recognition (ANPR).

Within minutes of vehicles being flagged through ANPR officers would begin a pursuit, supported by the National Police Air Service and the dog units.

As a result, 85 people were arrested for offences including possession with intent to supply, dangerous driving or driving without a licence. Officers also seized 11 knives concealed by criminals in their cars or on their person as well as more than £10,000 in cash.

Superintendent Francesca-May Robinson who led the operation said:

“The result from the operation demonstrates the Met’s continued commitment to disrupt and dismantle organised crime groups operating across London and our neighbouring counties.

“Our multi-force approach and the ANPR technology enabled officers to identify offenders, target criminal networks and remove those causing harm from our streets.

“This operation highlights the strength of intelligence-led policing and our determination to tackle cross-border offending. This builds on the success we had last year disrupting serious and organised crime groups, through our proactive and targeted work we disrupted these groups over 21,000 times last year.”

Other arrests include a 27-year-old man in Ealing on suspicion of dangerous driving, failure to stop, failing to produce insurance certificate, and possession with intent to supply class B drugs. A further search of his home address uncovered 750g cannabis, cash, and scales and a cash counter. He has been bailed pending further enquiries.

As part of this operation, ANPR highlighted a vehicle known to have approached a young girl in Barnet and sexually harassed them.

Operation Pandilla officers spotted the suspect vehicle and following a short pursuit arrested a 36-year-old man in Barnet on suspicious of attempted child abduction and harassment. He has been bailed pending further enquiries.

The Met worked with officers in Essex, Surrey, Thames Valley, Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire, Sussex and Hampshire focusing on areas linked to the drug supply from London and neighbouring counties.

Since Operation Pandilla has been operating more than 2,700 arrests have been made, 1,216 vehicles seized as well as 315 weapons and £545,850 in cash.