More than 70 kilograms of Class A drugs and seven firearms have been seized in Bedfordshire in April by the eastern region’s organised crime unit.
The Eastern Region Special Operations Unit (ERSOU) has carried out a number of proactive operations this month, resulting in seven arrests and the seizure of approximately three million pounds worth of drugs, as it continues to tackle serious and organised criminality across the region during lockdown.
Six guns, ammunition, and approximately three kilograms of Class A drugs were found during a search in Avondale Road, Luton on Thursday, April 30).
A 36-year-old man was arrested on suspicion firearms offences and possession with intent to supply Class A drugs.
Three men were also arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to supply Class A drugs following three other warrants carried out by ERSOU this morning, supported by Bedfordshire Police, Hertfordshire Constabulary, and the Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, and Hertfordshire Armed Policing Unit.
A 20-year-old man was arrested at a property in Griffin Court, Luton, a 32-year-old man was arrested in Kenilworth Road, Luton, and a 31-year-old man was arrested in Princes Avenue, Watford.
Earlier this month the specialist unit carried out three proactive policing stops in Bedfordshire, which saw more than 70 kilograms of drugs, worth approximately £3 million, seized along with a further firearm.
On Wednesday, April 22, a van was stopped at junction nine of the M1 and found to contain approximately 20 kilograms of cocaine.
On Monday 20 April, a vehicle was stopped on the M1 near to Luton by the Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, and Hertfordshire Armed Policing Unit. The vehicle was searched and a handgun was found. The driver of the vehicle was arrested at the scene and has been bailed pending further enquiries.
On Wednesday, April 8, officers carried out a stop of a vehicle in Connaught Road, Luton. On searching the car officers found approximately 10 kilograms of what is believed to be heroin.
A subsequent search of a property in Luton following the stop resulted in the seizure of more than 40 kilograms of Class A drugs and a significant quantity of steroids.
Detective Chief Inspector Trevor Davidson, from ERSOU, said: “Unfortunately serious and organised crime hasn’t stopped as a result of the coronavirus lockdown, so it’s important that we don’t stop either.
“The significant discovery of six dangerous weapons this morning shows just how vital our work is at this time and we’re committed to continuing to keep people safe by tackling those crimes which cause some of the most serious harm.
“In Bedfordshire alone in the last month we’ve also seized more than 70 kilograms of Class A drugs which will have a very real impact on the drugs supply, further protecting our communities.”
Two men have been charged in relation to the stops on April 8 and April 22. A 30-year-old man and a 33-year-old man, both from Luton, have been charged with possession with intent to supply Class A drugs and have been remanded in custody.
