'Eye in the Sky' Operation Leads to Ealing Drugs Arrest
Police use helicopter mounted with ANPR camera to locate suspects
The camera mounted on the helicopter. Picture: Met Police
A man from Ealing has been arrested after officers uncovered a significant quantity of cannabis and drug-related equipment during a three-day Metropolitan Police operation aimed at disrupting violent crime and organised drug supply across London and the Home Counties.
The arrest was part of Operation Pandilla, a large-scale, intelligence-led crackdown involving the Met and seven neighbouring police forces. Over the course of the operation, officers intercepted vehicles linked to criminal networks using automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) technology, supported by the National Police Air Service and specialist dog units. In total, 85 people were arrested and 85 vehicles seized.
Among those detained was a 27-year-old man from Ealing, stopped on suspicion of dangerous driving, failing to stop, failing to produce insurance, and possession with intent to supply Class B drugs. Officers later searched his home address, where they discovered approximately 750g of cannabis, cash, scales and a cash-counting machine. He has been bailed pending further enquiries.
Police say the Ealing arrest is a clear example of how ANPR-led operations can quickly escalate from traffic offences to uncovering wider criminality. Superintendent Francesca-May Robinson, who led the operation, said the results “demonstrate the Met’s continued commitment to disrupt and dismantle organised crime groups operating across London and our neighbouring counties.”
She added that the multi-force approach “enabled officers to identify offenders, target criminal networks and remove those causing harm from our streets,” describing the operation as a strong example of intelligence-driven policing.
The police helicopter prepares to take off for Operation Pandilla. Picture: Met Police
Across the three days, officers seized 11 knives concealed in vehicles or on suspects, along with more than £10,000 in cash. Another notable arrest involved a 36-year-old man in Barnet, detained after ANPR flagged a vehicle linked to the attempted abduction and harassment of a young girl. He was arrested following a short pursuit and has also been bailed.
Operation Pandilla focuses on criminal groups who use the road network to transport drugs, weapons and cash between London and surrounding counties. Forces from Essex, Surrey, Thames Valley, Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire, Sussex and Hampshire joined the Met in the latest phase of the operation.
Since its launch, Pandilla has resulted in more than 2,700 arrests, the seizure of 1,216 vehicles, 315 weapons and over £545,000 in cash.
The Met says further enforcement activity is planned as part of its ongoing strategy to reduce serious violence and disrupt organised crime across the capital.
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