A former YHROCU officer has been honoured with the King’s Police Medal (KPM) in this year’s New Year’s Honours.

Detective Sergeant Justin Twigg, who retired from the YHROCU last year, has been recognised for his services to covert policing.

Over his 30-year career, Justin worked tirelessly to dismantle organised crime groups regionally, nationally and internationally.

The investigations he led recovered countless firearms, vast quantities of controlled drugs and safeguarded numerous vulnerable victims.

In 2022/2023, Justin played a key role in Operation Ringtail, an operation resulting in the recovery of 941 kilos of cocaine, 65 kilos of methylamphetamine and £103,000 in cash.

His involvement in this investigation resulted in key evidence being obtained, leading to the dismantling of an organised crime group who are now serving lengthy prison sentences.

The operation was the largest drugs case the Crown Prosecution Service had ever prosecuted.

Speaking of the honour, Justin, who retired last summer, said: “I am delighted, surprised and very privileged to be recognised in the New Year Honours List.

“I thoroughly enjoyed my 30 years of service with West Yorkshire Police, the National Crime Squad, Serious Organised Crime Agency, Counter Terrorism Policing and the pinnacle of my career was working in the Yorkshire and the Humber Regional Organised Crime Unit.

“This award feels extra special as my father, also a former West Yorkshire Police officer, received the British Empire Medal in 2023 for charitable work in East Yorkshire.

“Sadly, he passed away later that year, but I know he would have been immensely proud of this achievement, which he played a huge part in with doses of common sense and humour.

“I am also very grateful to my family for their years of support, and to my dedicated former colleagues who provided me with much encouragement and opportunities which have led to this award.”

Head of YHROCU, Detective Chief Superintendent Heather Whoriskey, said:

“During his time with the YHROCU, Justin was a brilliant police officer and colleague. His commitment to the communities of Yorkshire and the Humber and to the people he served alongside was second-to-none.

“Justin is held in the utmost regard by those he worked with, and I have no doubt that his efforts in tackling serious and organised crime have contributed to making the region a safer place.

“His hard work and dedication make him thoroughly deserving of this honour and I’m so proud of his achievements.”

YHROCU host force Chief Constable John Robins QPM, DL said: “DS Twigg made an outstanding contribution to covert policing and tackling organised crime across West Yorkshire that will have benefits for decades to come.

“Highly regarded and respected at a force, regional and national level, he has been called upon for his unflustered leadership and surveillance expertise, mentoring both junior and more senior officers alike.

“He has been a credit to our Regional Organised Crime Unit and is an exemplar of modern proactive covert policing.”