17 arrests as police recover drugs, knives and stolen vehicles in Bedfordshire
Seventeen people have been arrested with drugs, knives and stolen vehicles recovered in Bedfordshire as police target serious and organised crime.
The joint operation, carried out over three nights last week (April 21-23), involved officers working alongside neighbouring forces to disrupt criminals travelling across county borders.
Nine arrests were made in a single night of operational activity.
In Luton, five people were arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply Class A and Class B drugs and possession of an offensive weapon, after their vehicle failed to stop for police. Officers saw a bag containing drugs and two knives being thrown from the window with the car located 10 minutes later.
Another man was arrested in Luton after failing to stop for police and driving at speeds of up to 90mph in 30mph areas. Checks revealed the vehicle had been stolen from another county.
Across the operation, arrests were made for a range of offences, including drug supply, dangerous driving and sexual assault.
Officers also seized quantities of suspected cocaine and cannabis, three knives and more than £2,400 in cash.
Sergeant Andy Martin said: “Collaboration and coordinated action are essential in tackling serious and organised crime, and we remain relentless in disrupting those who think they can evade justice by crossing police borders.
“We will continue sharing intelligence and working closely together to stop offenders in their tracks and reduce the harm caused by serious and organised crime, wherever it operates.”