Over the weekend, Operation Pegasus returned to West Area, as Hillingdon Police, in collaboration with the British Transport Police, targeted transport network users involved in illegal county-line drug operations at Ealing Broadway Station.
The operation, which also focused on apprehending individuals carrying drugs and weapons, was met with significant success.
The four-hour operation took place on Saturday afternoon between 3pm and 7pm and involved over 70 officers, including The Met’s Safer Neighbourhoods Team, volunteer Special Constables (MSC Officers), and the Specialist Dog Support Unit.
During the operation, 50 stop and searches were conducted, resulting in 15 positive action results, such as Community Resolutions or Fixed Penalty Notices issued.
Hillingdon Police revealed that five arrests were made for various offences, and crucial intelligence was gathered to aid ongoing investigations.
A notable highlight of the operation was the presence of two specialist dogs, PD Bella and PD Jenson, who played a pivotal role in sniffing out potential wrongdoing. Their efforts were applauded by the community and law enforcement alike.
Adding to the operation’s significance was a visit from the Secretary of State for Transport, The Rt Hon Mark Harper MP, who witnessed the efforts of the two police forces.
Acting Police Sergeant Peter Self, who led the operation, emphasized the importance of a visible police presence in response to Londoners’ repeated requests. He stated, “This operation saw our regular Safer Neighbourhood Officers, the Special Constabulary, our Specialist Dog Support Unit, and the British Transport Police deploy in and around one of West Area’s major commuter hubs.”
Chief Inspector Jon Hubbard highlighted the operation’s focus on violence against women and girls, robbery, and drug offenses, particularly county lines and the exploitation of young people. He underscored the police’s unwavering commitment to tackling crime and antisocial behavior, aligned with the New Met for London’s priorities of “More Trust, Less Crime, and High Standards.”
The operation also had a positive impact on community relations, as many people stopped to engage with the police, inquiring about the operation and extending warm greetings to PD Bella and PD Jenson.
A short film from the day captured the success, showcasing the dedication and hard work of the police teams and their canine companions in ensuring the safety and security of the West Area’s transport network users.
