23 arrested in Norfolk immigration crime crackdown under Operation Lockstream

Police arrested 23 people across Norfolk and Suffolk as part of Operation Lockstream, a national drive targeting organised immigration crime and linked offending.

Operation Lockstream nets 23 arrests in Norfolk and Suffolk sweep

Twenty-three people were arrested during a six-day enforcement operation targeting organised immigration crime across Norfolk and Suffolk, edp24.co.uk reports.

The operation, known as Operation Lockstream, ran from 15 to 20 June and forms part of a national scheme led by the National Police Chiefs' Council, focused on disrupting cross-border offending and associated criminal activity.

In Norfolk, arrests were made for a range of offences including illegal entry, overstaying visas, suspected illegal working, and immigration absconding. Officers also detained individuals on suspicion of handling stolen goods and going equipped for theft.

Three people were charged and remanded in custody in connection with serious drug offences, including possession with intent to supply. Two further individuals were charged and remanded for multiple shop theft offences.

Among the most significant results of the operation, officers seized more than 100g of cocaine valued at approximately £10,000, alongside around 10kg of cannabis estimated to be worth £100,000. A further £1,000 in suspected criminal cash, a fraudulent driving licence, and several vehicles were also recovered.

The operation's busiest single day produced eight arrests, with offences spanning drug-related activity and immigration breaches.

Sergeant Josh Preston said the operation had provided "an important opportunity to work closely with Immigration Enforcement and partner agencies to target organised immigration crime and the associated criminality that can impact our communities."

Preston added that the week of action had resulted in "a number of significant arrests, charges and drug seizures, while also allowing us to identify and disrupt individuals involved in immigration offending and wider criminal activity."

Operation Lockstream is a national initiative designed to tackle organised immigration crime and linked offending through joint enforcement between police forces and partner agencies.

Source: Google News UK — Crime (en)