Police arrests 15 drug dealers in Weavers Ward on Valentine Day

LONDON, United Kingdom – Not less than 15 people have been arrested  this morning in Weavers Ward, London following a series of early morning warrants in east London as part of efforts to tackle the menace of drug supply in the area.

The 15 male suspects, who  are between the age of 21 and 55-years-old, were arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs on Thursday, 14 February. Nineteen  intelligence-led warrants were executed at residential addresses in Tower Hamlets, Havering and Hackney. All those arrested have been taken into custody.

In a statement, the London Metropolitan Police said the warrants represent the latest phase of an ongoing operation called ‘Continuum’, a partnership operation between police and Tower Hamlets Council. It was led by officers from the Met’s Central East Command Unit.

So far, officers have also seized a significant quantity of Class A drugs and over £10,000 in cash.

Speaking on the arrest, Chief Inspector Mike Hamer, the Tower Hamlets Crime, Gangs and Drugs lead, said: “This is the culmination of four months of hard work and covert police activity. During this latest round of search warrants and arrests we have targeted drug dealers in Weavers ward. These arrests will hopefully go some way to allaying the significant community concerns regarding drug dealing within the ward.

“This police enforcement also provides a focus for much wider work with our partners within Tower Hamlets Council and the key housing providers. We will continue to listen to the community regarding their drug dealing concerns and act upon the information we receive.

“The public can continue to play a very effective role in helping police, especially by assisting us in identifying wanted individuals. Passing on information either to the police, or to an independent organisation such as Crimestoppers, about crime or suspicious incidents can really help prevent and detect crime and is it something we would like to encourage. You are our eyes and ears.”

Drug dealing is inextricably linked with a high proportion of the violence we have seen on our streets. We will deal robustly with those who seek to peddle drugs, exploit young people and target the most vulnerable within our communities for the sole purpose of financial gain; often instigating violent acts and placing young people at risk of harm and criminalisation in the process.

John Biggs, Mayor of Tower Hamlets, said: “Residents have worked with us to identify where people are peddling drugs, and their insight has delivered dividends.

“We will continue to use our collective powers to enforce against people dealing drugs and to keep our streets safe. This was another excellent result for the borough.”

How can you help to keep your streets safe? Wanted people are continuously being searched for in connection with crime. Please take a look at the Met’s social media accounts or the Crimestoppers website www.crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information/most-wanted Do you recognise anyone? If you see a police wanted appeal in the future or someone featured on the BBC programme Crimewatch Roadshow, then please consider if you are able to help. Do you know them or know of them? Do you know what car they drive, where they go regularly such as a shop, pub or club? If you don’t know them, are they perhaps thought to be in your area? Would you recognise them if you saw them on the street?