Met officers lead fight against organised crime in west London arresting 28 men

Met officers are responding to community concerns about drug dealing and associated crimes, such as antisocial behaviour, in West Drayton, Cowley and Uxbridge, by cracking down on organised crime.

Over seven-weeks (9 February to 31 March 2024), officers made 28 arrests.

Specialist officers led a targeted operation, focusing on disrupting two prominent drug dealing lines. During the investigation officers employed strategic tactics, such as regular patrols through areas with high levels of reported crimes and thorough searches of criminal databases to disrupt the distribution of Class A drugs.

In a proactive effort, local West London officers worked alongside specialist officers who provided real-time intelligence on criminal activities. This collaborative effort within the Met highlights the use of intelligence-led policing to combat criminal activities to keep Londoners safe.

Sergeant Matthew Catlin responsible for the investigation said:

“Drugs ruin lives and the ramifications that often play out and are felt by communities, where anti-social behaviour and violence impact innocent people.

“Our focus is dismantling these criminal networks piece by piece, ensuring that those involved in drug dealing and related crimes are brought to justice.

“We are committed to making London a safer place for residents by tackling drug crime at its root.”

During the operation, vulnerable drug users were also identified in the local area and officers provided them with specialist support, signposting them to health and rehabilitation services. Senior officers thanked operational leads for their empathy and compassion towards those supported.

The efforts of Met officers resulted in the seizure of £3,000 worth of Class A and B drugs and £10,000 in cash during the operation.

Seven men been charged with offences in relation to this operation.

The Met is building a new Met for London which aims to engage with communities, foster trust, and combat crimes such as drug dealing and knife crime. With officer’s proactive efforts in response to the rising knife crime situation in London, this demonstrates our commitment to improving safety and security across the capital. Through prioritising community engagement and targeted interventions, the Met’s innovative approach represents a significant stride towards creating a safer environment for all Londoners.

Notes to Editors

Charges and Arrests:

28 individuals aged were arrested, with seven individuals charged for various offences, including:

• Possession of an offensive weapon
• Recall to prison
• Drug offences
• Theft and burglary
• Affray
• Breach of court order
• Malicious communication