In a significant blow to organised crime, the National Crime Agency (NCA) has executed a major operation in Dartford, Kent, targeting what authorities describe as a sophisticated criminal network operating across the region.
The dawn raids, conducted by heavily armed NCA officers, resulted in multiple arrests and the seizure of substantial evidence linking the group to serious criminal activities. The operation saw law enforcement descend on several properties simultaneously in a carefully coordinated strike.
Evidence Uncovered
During the searches, investigators uncovered what appears to be a well-organised criminal enterprise. Among the items seized were:
- Substantial quantities of suspected illegal substances
- Multiple mobile phones and electronic devices believed to contain crucial evidence
- Documentation linking the group to wider criminal operations
- Significant amounts of cash suspected to be proceeds of crime
Ongoing Investigation
An NCA spokesperson confirmed that the operation represents a major breakthrough in tackling serious and organised crime in the South East. "This was a complex investigation targeting individuals we believe were involved in high-level criminality," the spokesperson stated.
The arrests mark the culmination of a lengthy intelligence-led operation involving multiple law enforcement agencies. Forensic teams remain at several locations as the evidence-gathering process continues.
Local residents expressed shock at the scale of the police presence in their normally quiet neighbourhood. One resident described seeing "dozens of armed officers" descending on the area in the early hours.
The investigation remains active, with authorities urging anyone with additional information to come forward as they work to dismantle the network completely.
