Huge organised crime crackdown leads to 53 arrests across Greenwich and Bexley

A five-month operation targeting organised crime networks and drugs supply in South-east London has led to 53 arrests and £63,000 in seized cash.

A total of 47 men and six women, between the ages of 16 and 48-years-old, have been arrested on suspicion of a range of offences including possession of firearms and other weapons, class A and B drugs, and criminal property.

The arrests follow a long-running operation, named Operation Trigona, which saw early-morning raids at addresses across Greenwich and Bexley of individuals involved in running 33 drug networks, known as county, lines across South-east London.

In addition to the arrests and cash seized around 320 grams of crack cocaine 150 grams of heroin and a quantity of cannabis was recovered.

A variety of weapons, including four firearms, as well as number of knives and knuckle dusters recovered plus two rounds of ammunition seized.

Also two motor vehicles with a combined value of £45,000, and £40,000 worth of Rolex watches, all believed to be the proceeds of crime, seized.

Detective Inspector Jo Gresham, who led the operation, said: “Operations like this one, which disrupt county lines drug supply and dealing, and target the criminal exploitation of vulnerable people, are vital because we know that this type of criminality drives a high proportion of violent crime in London.

“We carried out a huge amount of investigative work behind the scenes before conducting these warrants, showing that not only do we take a zero-tolerance approach to drug supply, but we’re absolutely committed to making the streets in which the local community lives safer.

“This operation was also aimed at identifying and cracking down on the exploitation of children, who can be manipulated into carrying out criminal acts.

“During this operation we have identified two young people who were victims of this type of exploitation, who we are now safeguarding and working with to give them the support they need.

“I would urge anyone who may have information about any criminality in their area to contact police, or Crimestoppers, so that we can take proactive action – your information is invaluable to us.”

If you don’t want to speak to the police, contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Pictured: Cash seized in the operation