Suffolk and Norfolk Police arrest 160 people and seize more than £8m in drugs during Operation Orbit

Millions of pounds worth of drugs and 160 arrests were made in eight months as part of a crackdown on drug crime.

Suffolk and Norfolk Police launched Operation Orbit in February.

In this time, more than £350,000 in cash has been seized, with officers estimating roughly £8 million in cannabis alone was confiscated as operations ranged from industrial-scale farms, drug-dealing and money laundering being shut down.

Of the 160 arrests, 65 per cent, or 104 people, have been charged and remanded in custody.

Detective Chief Inspector Tom Pearse, from Norfolk and Suffolk Police’s serious and organised crime team, described these as promising results.

He said: “There are a number of factors that have led to these results, including but not limited to, calls from concerned members of the public, intelligence-based policing, dedicated investigative work and commitment from officers and staff on the frontline.

“As well as a concerted effort to make our counties difficult places to offend, Operation Orbit also aims to map and understand the ongoing criminality, in order to prevent organised crime groups from taking a foothold and to protect the most vulnerable in our communities.”

DCI Pearse said officers have seen first-hand the impact such criminality has on communities, including the destruction of historic buildings to roads and pavements being dug up.

Dangerous work like this poses a risk to the public, he said.

DCI Pearse added: “We are grateful to the numerous members of the public who have come forward with information that has often been so crucial in identifying these locations.

“Likewise, we are supported by our officers and staff on the frontline who have pursued leads with tenacity and commitment to bring offenders to justice.

“Finally, we remain acutely aware that half of the reports received in relation to antisocial behaviour, cite drug taking and drug dealing as the reason.”

Officers are also keen to highlight to residents what they should look out for.

Criminal activity such as drug offences can also be connected to other serious types of crime, such as sexual exploitation.

The destruction of historic buildings, which can be gutted to make way for operations such as cannabis farms, is a particular concern for Historic England.

Mark Harrison, head of heritage at Historic England, said: “Heritage crime robs us of our collective history.

“Historic England is committed to working in partnership with police services across the East of England to reduce offending and educate the wider community about the impact of loss and damage to historic buildings and sites.”

Highlights from the past eight months include 25 kg of cannabis being seized from a van in Great Yarmouth, which was ready for distribution.

A group of minors were located in Ipswich, which were traced back to a criminal gang in London via CCTV.

This led to a man pleading guilty to drug supply and money laundering – with £50,000 seized.

Sergeant Dave Logan, from Ipswich’s south sentinel team, said cocaine was one of the most commonly seized items.

In powder form, it is widely used across all demographics, he said.

Mr Logan said: “We have been tackling this type of organised crime over the past few years, but February saw the start of joint working across both forces.

“With more support, we have been able to increase the amount of work we do, which has led to more arrests, drugs and cash seizures and most importantly, more individuals being remanded to prison.

“I am always mindful we target all those responsible within this illicit trade. From the higher crime group members who profit most and inflict the most suffering through violence and debt bondage, to the on the street dealers and the end users, who selfishly drive on Suffolk roads whilst under the influence of drugs.”

Det Con Pearse added: “I am often asked what I think success looks like. It is maintaining constant and sustained pressure on these crime groups and making it as difficult as we can for offenders to succeed here.

“We are seeing great results, shown in the number of arrests and charges, and this is down to the hard work of our front-line officers, staff and investigators, as well as the vital support of our communities.”