Operation Julie

Operation Julie was a UK police investigation in the late 1970s into the production of LSD by two drug rings. The operation, which was a joint effort by the Metropolitan Police and the Thames Valley Police, resulted in the break-up of one of the largest LSD manufacturing operations in the world. It culminated in 1977 with enough LSD to make 6.5 million 'tabs' (with a street value of £6.5m) being seized, 120 people arrested in the UK and France, and 15 laboratories closed down. The operation was named after Julie Taylor, a secretary at Thames Valley Police headquarters.

Background

In the mid-1970s, the UK was identified as a major centre for the production of LSD. The drug was being manufactured in large quantities by two separate groups, one based in Wales and the other in Hampton Wick. The two groups were not connected but were both involved in the large-scale production of the drug.

Investigation

The investigation into the two groups began in 1975 when the Metropolitan Police's Drug Squad arrested an individual in possession of a large quantity of LSD. This led to the discovery of a drug laboratory in Hampton Wick, where a large amount of LSD was being produced. The investigation was then expanded to include the Thames Valley Police, who were investigating a separate group based in Wales.

The operation was named 'Julie' after Julie Taylor, a secretary at Thames Valley Police headquarters, who was involved in the administration of the operation.

Outcome

The operation culminated in March 1977 with the arrest of 120 people in the UK and France, the seizure of enough LSD to make 6.5 million 'tabs', and the closure of 15 laboratories. The operation was considered a major success and resulted in a significant reduction in the availability of LSD in the UK.

Legacy

Operation Julie has since become a part of UK police folklore and is often cited as an example of successful police cooperation. It has also been the subject of several books and a television drama.

See also

• Drug policy of the United Kingdom
• History of lysergic acid diethylamide

External links

• Operation Julie official website

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