CENTRAL DEVON MP Mel Stride and Devon and Cornwall Police and Crime Commissioner Alison Hernandez have lauded the efforts of the National Crime Agency and police forces in the South West after the UK's biggest ever law enforcement operation saw more than 30 serious criminals arrested across the region last week. Operation Venetic has seen the entire organised crime groups dismantled, with almost 750 arrests and the seizure of £54 million of criminal cash, 77 firearms and more than two tonnes of drugs to date.
As part of the major operation, the South West Regional Organised Crime Unit has arrested 31 people and seized £790,000 in cash, 10 EncroChat phones and 23kg of cocaine and other drugs. The operation, run by the National Crime Agency with help from police forces across the country, involved the infiltration of an encrypted global communications system used by criminals for co-ordinating and distributing their illegal goods.
Mr Stride said:
"Much of the hard work of our police officers goes unnoticed. But not today. This was the UK's biggest ever operation against organised crime and it was a resounding success that I hope will lead to hundreds of successful prosecutions and prove to be a major disruption to organised crime in the South West and across the country."
Commissioner Hernandez added:
"Drugs and weapons are a scourge on our society. Our community is now that bit safer with these individuals taken off our street. Our forces in the South West work together with the National Crime Agency sharing intelligence to thwart criminals and will continue to do so. Well done to all involved."