A two-year investigation by British police led to the crackdown on a suspected Albanian criminal group, allegedly involved in the trafficking and sale of hard drugs, the trade in counterfeit goods and the operation of a brothel in Hounslow.
A large-scale British police operation has led to the arrest of 10 people and the seizure of drugs, weapons and assets of considerable value, as part of an investigation into a suspected Albanian criminal group operating in West London.
According to reports by British media outlet LBC, the investigation lasted for about two years. Authorities suspect the group was involved in the import and distribution of Class A drugs, the trade in counterfeit products and the management of a brothel in the Hounslow area.
The operation took place in the early hours of Thursday morning, when police forces searched several addresses in different parts of West London. During the searches, officers found large quantities of substances suspected to be ketamine and cannabis. The seized quantities are being analysed and weighed by specialists.
At a minimarket, police and trade inspectors searched the premises, including the spaces above the ceiling panels, for narcotics and counterfeit cigarettes. The metal grille of the business was forced open using an electric cutting device.
In a small apartment where four women were staying, several cold weapons were found, including “zombie” knives, a long scythe and an axe. Police also searched apartments and a pub, where vehicles, a Rolex watch and other luxury items were seized. The total value of these assets is estimated at around £200,000, while around £30,000 in cash was seized during the operation.
One of the searches took place at the home of the alleged ringleader, which officers described as a "million-pound mansion."
Police arrived at the address shortly before 5:00 a.m. and used a battering ram to break down the door, which was reinforced with steel bars. Officers were also equipped with electric shields to protect themselves from any dogs that might be inside.
The main suspect was not found at the apartment, but a woman believed to be his wife was arrested there. Later, another team confirmed that the man had been located at one of the other addresses where checks were being carried out.
Another address searched was a building suspected of being used as a brothel in Hounslow. According to investigators, four women and two men were found inside the premises, placed in small rooms.
Chief Inspector Garth Hall told LBC that the investigation was not just focused on drugs, but had also uncovered suspicions of other criminal offences, including sexual exploitation and the use of vulnerable people's addresses to store drugs and money.
According to him, investigators are trying to determine the role of each person involved and identify individuals who may have been exploited by the group.
He emphasized that in addition to seizing narcotics, the police have the responsibility to protect vulnerable people and intervene when criminal offenses are detected.
According to LBC, the investigation began with information gathered by local officers during roadside checks and stops. For two years, specialized teams worked to gather evidence and identify suspects.
The operation concluded with another search in Hounslow at around 8.30am, where a large transparent bag of cannabis was found inside a garment bag in the entrance to a flat. Investigators suspect the narcotics may have been left there overnight by someone else.
In total, 10 people were arrested during the operation. In addition to around 30 thousand pounds in cash and several vehicles, police seized cold weapons and significant quantities of narcotics.
Investigations are ongoing to determine the full extent of the suspected criminal activity and the role of each of the individuals involved./ TCH
