ESSEX Police joined forces with seven other police forces as part of a major three‑day operation targeting criminals using the road network to carry out serious and organised crime.

Operation Pandilla focused on disrupting cross‑border offending and resulted in a total of 85 arrests and 85 vehicles seized across eight police force areas.

Officers from Essex Police worked alongside colleagues from the Metropolitan Police, Surrey Police, Thames Valley Police, Hertfordshire Constabulary, Bedfordshire Police, Sussex Police and Hampshire Constabulary. The operation was supported by specialist resources, including the National Police Air Service and police dog units.

Across all force areas, 85 people were arrested, including 15 arrests in Essex between 22-24 April. Arrests made in Essex were for:

Nine offences of drug driving
Five thefts of motor vehicles
One offence of possession with intent to supply Class A drugs
A total of 85 vehicles were seized during the operation, with Essex Police accounting for around a quarter of all seizures.

Cash seized across the eight forces totalled almost £11,000, with more than £5,000 seized in Essex under the Proceeds of Crime Act.

Inspector Steve Rooney, Roads Policing Unit, said: “The proactive operation demonstrates Essex Police’s continued commitment to disrupting and dismantling organised crime groups operating here in Essex and travelling cross-border.

“By working together, forces can share intelligence, target criminal networks and remove those who cause harm from our communities.”

Operation Pandilla highlights the strength of intelligence‑led, collaborative policing and the determination of forces to tackle cross‑border criminality and serious violence, safeguarding the public and keeping communities safe.

Since its inception, Operation Pandilla has resulted in more than 2,700 arrests, 1,216 vehicles seized, 315 weapons recovered and £545,850 in cash seized.

Essex Police continues to act on information provided by the public, which plays a vital role in identifying and disrupting criminal activity.

Anyone with information is urged to report it online or by calling 101.
Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.