09 November 2004

New joint taskforce to target London's drug gangs

The supply of Class A drugs by organised criminal networks in London is to be targeted through a new joint venture between the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) and HM Customs & Excise launched today.

The Middle Market Drugs Project, supported by the National Criminal Intelligence Service (NCIS) and City of London Police, comprises a 70-strong team of officers who will carry out intelligence-led operations against those who act as a link between the drug traffickers and street dealers.

It is the first joint law enforcement unit of its kind in London, combining the "best practices and specialist skills" of organisations to tackle drug wholesalers.

The unit has already notched up a series of successes during a two-month transitional period before becoming fully operational. So far the unit has seized cocaine with an estimated street value of £9 million; crack cocaine with an estimated street value of £71,250; and heroin with a street value of £176,000. As part of the operations 25 people have been charged with various drug trafficking and offences under the Proceeds of Crime Act.

Home Office Minister Caroline Flint said today was a good day for law enforcement and the people of London, and a bad day for drug dealers.

"Breaking down the supply chain is only half the battle. We are also cutting demand by targeting drug-users and getting them into treatment, spending more than half a billion pounds this year on treatment alone. By reducing demand, we reduce the impact of drugs on people's lives and cut crime," she said.

Assistant Commissioner Tarique Ghaffur, the head of the Specialist Crime Directorate, said: "There is overwhelming evidence that the majority of volume crime in London is committed by offenders who use drugs and need to fund their habit. The unit's early successes demonstrate how by working closely with our partner agencies we can tackle the people who are bringing misery to the streets of London.

"The disruption of organised criminal networks and those involved in drug trafficking will improve the quality of life for those living, working and visiting the capital."

The unit is based at Custom House and is led by Detective Superintendent Steve Dann, from the Serious and Organized Crime Command, which is part of the Met's Specialist Crime Directorate.

In addition to its team of experienced detectives and Customs' investigators, Middle Market has its own dedicated team of financial investigators who will work in tandem in order to seize drug-related criminal assets. The aim is to ensure criminals do not profit from drug dealing.

(gmcg/sp)