Channel 4's 24 Hours in Police Custody will air one of its most popular episodes tonight, Thursday, July 9, at 9pm. The episode, titled 'The Home County Cartel,' originally aired in 2020 and follows a covert police operation to dismantle a £58 million drug smuggling ring, one of the largest in the region's history.
Episode Details
The synopsis reads: 'In a two part special, a covert police unit track a smuggling operation bringing huge quantities of drugs into the UK. Can they catch the ringleader?' The episode is a repeat, but fans have praised it as a standout. Part 2 is scheduled for next Wednesday, July 15, at 9pm on Channel 4.
The documentary is also available to stream on Channel 4 online, with a warning: 'Strong language. This programme isn't suitable for younger viewers.'
Fan Reactions
Viewers have expressed strong appreciation for the episode. One Reddit user wrote: 'I think my favourite was when a crook was caught out by his own dashcam. He didn't realise it was recording, and when the evidence was presented to him, you could see the blood drain from his face.' Another commented: 'Yes, The Home County Cartel was a great episode, also one of my favourites. Most of them are my favourites... That was such a beautiful operation. 10/10.'
A third viewer added: 'The Home County Cartel. This was really interesting because you get to see the whole surveillance process and then a coordinated raid and questioning. The bit where they put a camera in the car that they then took to the mechanics that was the drug operation's front was great.' On X, one user said: 'The #24hoursinpolicecustody Home County Cartel episodes were brilliant and highlight the excellent undercover work the Police do.' Another echoed: '#24hoursinpolicecustody the home county cartel, love the series never seen one like this tho. Always about murders etc.'
Series Background
24 Hours in Police Custody has been a landmark documentary series since its debut in 2014, offering unprecedented access to real-life police investigations. Despite its popularity, recent weeks have featured repeat episodes, leading to some viewer frustration. One person wrote: 'We need new episodes, not repeats.' Another fumed: 'Why are they all repeats?'
The series continues to air on Channel 4, with tonight's episode at 9pm.
