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Crime Desk
A group of 37 gun traders and drug suppliers have been sentenced to a total in excess of 400 years imprisonment following a successful Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) sting operation. The men appeared at Wood Green Crown Court following an undercover initiative designed to target serious and organised crime in and around Enfield borough. The last sentencing took place on 9 September 2011.
Codenamed Operation Peyzac, the initiative involved detectives launching a covert music shop in a busy Edmonton shopping area. The action followed intelligence suggesting gangs operating in the area and was also the borough's hard-hitting response to a spate of murders in Enfield. Five young men were tragically murdered in 2008 between January and July including Henry Bolombi, 17, Louis Boduka, 18, Iyke Nmezu, 16, Bakari Davis, 24 and Melvin Bryan, 18.
To gain information about the gangs, undercover officers set up the shop called the Boombox. The premises operated for more than 12 months and officers were able to film the trading of firearms, ammunition and drugs. On one occasion they captured a man on CCTV selling police officers four firearms. He had travelled to the shop on a busy bus with the loaded weapons concealed in a plastic bag. Another man was filmed handing over cocaine with a street value of £4,000.
In April 2010 officers, working with colleagues from the Territorial Support Group (TSG), Specialist Crime Directorate (SCD) and the Specialist Firearms Command (CO19) , carried out simultaneous raids at 35 addresses across north and east London. They also raided a further address in Leeds as part of intelligence received.
At one address in Haringey officers discovered a gun conversion factory and seized a number of components of firearms and ammunition. Further searches at other London addresses revealed a large number of weapons, including knives and swords, two air rifles and a samurai sword. They also discovered a significant amount of class A drugs and cash.
Due to the strength of the evidence gathered, those arrested were charged and then convicted at Wood Green Crown Court between August 2010 and September 2011.
In total 21 firearms were removed from the streets.
Chief Superintendent David Tucker, Enfield Borough Commander said: "The final court results follow a lengthy operation by Enfield Borough officers and Covert Policing officers, supported by the London Borough of Enfield, to combat criminal networks within the borough after concern was raised by the local community some time ago.
"Significant resources were devoted to Operation Peyzac over many months and the impact will inevitably be felt for years to come. In spite of recent events these convictions demonstrate our determination to stamp out organised criminality. We have said before that we will not tolerate violence and associated gang activity within the borough and will always ensure we use a variety of police tactics to track down criminals and bring them to justice.
"We know that we have the support of the wider community in this area to combat violence and we will be working with communities in the future to build sustained peace in the area."
Commander Mak Chishty, Area Commander for North London said: "I am extremely pleased with these court results which are the culmination of a pre-planned, long-term operation and highlight the commitment of the Metropolitan Police Service to tackle the issue of serious and organised crime in our communities. We will continue to disrupt and arrest those involved in this type of criminality."
Detective Chief Inspector Paul Harwood, the senior investigator, said: “Operation Peyzac was an under cover police investigation targeting serious organised crime and gangs within Enfield Borough. The operation commenced following a series of youth murders in 2008. At that time the communities of Enfield asked the police to stop the increasing cycle of violence and stop young people from being killed or seriously injured.
“Over the last three years police in Enfield Borough, with the support of the local authority, have responded to those requests and have identified and imprisoned those involved in serious criminality, violence and drug supply.
“Of the 37 persons convicted 30 are gang members.
“Twenty-one firearms were recovered by police and through the operation it was clear those selling the firearms had no regard as to who they were selling to and for what reason.
“In Tottenham a gun conversion factory was located. It is believed that James Jones had converted many more firearms than actually recovered. He specialised in ‘Olympic 38’ starting pistols which he convert to live firing firearms. This particular make of starting pistol is now illegal to possess in the UK.
“In total the sentencing amounted to over 400 years imprisonment being dealt out by the Wood Green Crown Court.
“I would like to highlight the bravery of all the under cover police officers involved in this operation along with the support of the Covert Policing department of the Met.
“Operation Peyzac is seen as one of the most innovative and successful covert operations run by the Met and this is attributed to the bravery and dedication of the undercover officers which was recognized with Judges Commendations.
“I would also like to highlight and thank my investigation team who worked relentlessly to ensure the success of the operation. Due to the strength of evidence gathered and produced by the officers, 34 of the subjects pleaded guilty at the earliest opportunity.
“The working relationship between the Met, CPS and courts was exceptionally good which meant that there were only three effective trials saving the public a huge financial cost.
“Enfield Borough continues to pursue those involved in violence, organised criminality and gangs through various policing methods. Ensuring the safety of the residents and workers within Enfield is at the forefront of policing within the borough.”
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