The Police have arrested no fewer than 746 suspected top-tier criminals involved in murder, gun smuggling and drug trafficking after infiltrating an encrypted phone system used by the suspects.

In an operation led by the UK’s National Crime Agency, investigators have said they prevented contract killings – seizing £54m in cash and 1.5 tonnes of cocaine, The Street Reporters Newspaper gathered. .

Skynews reports that almost 80 firearms have been taken into custody, including an AK-47 assault rifle, sub-machine guns, handguns, four grenades and more than 1,800 rounds of ammunition.

About two tonnes of Class A and B drugs, including more than 28 million Etizolam pills (street Valium) from an illicit laboratory have also been confiscated, plus 55 high-value cars and 73 luxury watches.

Many of the targets are said to have considered themselves “untouchable” – posing as respectable, wealthy tycoons with lifestyles built on the profits of legitimate businesses.

One source said: “Many were seen by friends and neighbours as pillars of society, but in reality were leading secret, glamorous lives they thought would go on forever.”

Every police force in Britain was involved in Operation Venetic, which was launched in April after analysts managed to infiltrate the secretive Encrochat mobile telephone system used by organised criminals around the world.