Southwark Drug Bust: Seven Charged in Crack Cocaine Crackdown
Police swooped on Southwark on Wednesday, 21 July, executing multiple warrants linked to serious drugs offences. The haul led to a string of charges and court appearances at Croydon Magistrates’ Court the very next day.
Key Offenders Face Serious Drug Charges
- Ismael Abourahman, 39 of SE15 was hit with charges including supplying crack cocaine, offering to supply it three times, plus cannabis offences. He denied all but the cannabis possession charge and has been remanded. His next court date is 19 August at Inner Crown Court.
- Rushard Brown, 25 also from SE15, faces three counts linked to crack cocaine supply, cannabis possession, and handling criminal property. He pled not guilty except for the cannabis charge and remains in custody, due back on 19 August.
- Akeem Thomas, 25 of SE5 was charged with six counts of crack cocaine supply and possession of criminal property. He’s been remanded and will appear next at Inner London Crown Court on 19 August.
- Birol Salih, 55 from SE15 faces two crack cocaine supply charges plus involvement in supply. He’s been bailed but must return to court on 19 August.
More Arrests as Crack and Heroin Supply Rings Targeted
- Berris Manning, 44 of SE15 was hit with a whopping 20 charges, including multiple counts of supplying and conspiring to supply crack cocaine and heroin. He’s in custody and back in court 19 August.
- Dwight Merrick, 41 from SE17 faces 20 charges, covering crack cocaine and heroin supply and conspiracy. He remains remanded with a next appearance on 19 August.
- Osahon Okungbowa, 29 of SE17 pleaded guilty to several crack cocaine and heroin supply offences. Sentencing is pending at Inner London Crown Court.
- A 16-year-old lad was charged with crack cocaine supply and possession with intent to supply cannabis. He pleaded not guilty and was bailed, returning to Bromley Magistrates’ Court on 31 August.
Additional Arrests and Investigations
- Two more 16-year-olds and three men aged between 21 and 52 were arrested on suspicion of involvement in Class A drug supply during the raid on 21 July.
- While some suspects have been released under investigation, two men — aged 29 and 52 — will face no further action.
This major crackdown sends a sharp warning to Southwark’s drug networks: police are watching, and the net is tightening.
