More than 170 arrested as Hertfordshire and Thames Valley police crackdown on criminals
The three-day crackdown targeted serious criminals to help take drugs and weapons off the streets
Last updated 24th Jan 2023
Hertfordshire and Thames Valley have joined five other police forces in targeting serious criminals in a moved aimed to help take drugs and weapons off the streets.
Thirty knives and weapons were recovered, 40 drugs seized, 66 vehicles taken and almost £6,000 retrieved as more than 1,200 officers arrested 179 people.
Wanted suspects were arrested as a result of Operation Pandilla – as were those suspected of knife, weapon, drugs, burglary and robbery offences – between January 17 and 19.
The Metropolitan Police led the operation, working with Thames Valley, Hertfordshire, Surrey, Sussex, West Midlands and British Transport Police.
Superintendent Emma Gulczynski said: “This operation was a joint effort between seven police forces, sharing proactive intelligence and enhancing existing relationships to target those involved in drug, gang and weapon-based violence."
“While removing drugs and weapons from the streets is paramount to keeping London and the county forces safe, safeguarding vulnerable individuals on the cusp of violence is also just as important."
“Some of those arrested exploit children and vulnerable people to help further their criminality and we remain committed to working with partners to identify people at risk of exploitation and provide them with the wrap-around support they require.”