Three men charged in Luton over suspected drugs ring after raids by police

On Friday, March 26, officers carried out a number of warrants in Luton, which resulted in around £2,000 in cash being seized after it was found hidden in a van.

Two men have since been arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to supply Class A drugs, and they were both charged and remanded in custody, pending future court appearances.

Following on from this, on Sunday, March 28, officers stopped a wanted suspect who had landed at Heathrow Airport.

He was charged with five counts of being concerned in the supply of cocaine and has been remanded in custody.

Operation Costello is Bedfordshire Police’s response to the national Operation Venetic, which focuses on criminality associated with specialist encrypted phones.

DS Julie Henderson, who is leading Operation Costello, said: “The intelligence and investigative work under this operation has given us a once in a generation opportunity to dismantle the organised criminal gangs which blights lives and communities in Luton.

“Drugs are a catalyst for many crime types, with organised crime groups often driving much of the serious violence, exploitation and anti-social behaviour within our county.

“Our results so far are excellent and it demonstrates how we are making Bedfordshire a hostile place for organised criminal networks to operate.

“We now have an opportunity to help make real and lasting change, but need the public’s help to do so. If you suspect someone is involved in organised crime, please report it and help us make a difference.

“If you would rather not speak to us, you can also speak to Crimestoppers, who will take reports anonymously and in confidence.”

Anyone with any information about drug dealing and organised crime can report it via Bedfordshire.police.uk/report.

Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111 or by visiting https://crimestoppers-uk.org/.