Met Police Officers Cleared After Seven-Year Probe Into Kensington Drug Bust Fallout
Seven Years of Scrutiny End Without Gross Misconduct Verdict
A serving Met officer and two ex-colleagues have walked free of gross misconduct charges after a lengthy investigation linked to a high-profile drug bust in Kensington in 2018.
“Officer M,” currently with Specialist Crime, alongside former Detective Sergeant Michael Harding and Detective Constable Stephen Lane, faced intense scrutiny over their roles in a covert surveillance operation. That sting resulted in a major drugs seizure and the dramatic arrest of a dealer.
In the end, none was found guilty of gross misconduct. However, two retired officers were reprimanded for sharing photos and video of the arrest with friends and family—deemed a breach of professional conduct.
Detective Chief Superintendent Rick Sewart said: “None of the three officers committed gross misconduct. This case has had a very long legal history, with former DS Harding acquitted of criminal charges after nearly eight years. We welcome the government’s progress toward a fairer and faster police accountability system.”
The Arrest That Triggered The Furore
- On 15 May 2018, officers conducted covert surveillance targeting drug dealers in Kensington.
- A man in his 30s was caught carrying around half a kilo of cocaine.
- The suspect fled after being stopped, causing a high-speed chase and a vehicle crash.
- During the pursuit, ex-DS Harding’s car mounted the pavement, hitting the suspect and a passing cyclist.
- The man sustained serious injuries including head trauma and broken bones.
Harding was accused of dangerous driving and deliberately causing harm. The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) launched an investigation, which was later referred to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS).
Criminal Charges Dropped, Misconduct Claims Unsubstantiated
In December 2022, Harding faced charges of causing grievous bodily harm and dangerous driving. But by March 2025, the CPS dropped the case for lack of evidence, resulting in a formal not guilty verdict.
The IOPC also alleged the trio colluded to mislead investigators with false statements. A recent hearing dismissed these claims as unproven.
Misconduct Findings Over Sharing Sensitive Footage
Two former officers admitted to misconduct for sharing arrest images and videos with relatives. Both retired officers faced no sanctions since the violations were not gross misconduct.
The hearing ruled all three upheld most professional standards on use of force, honesty, and confidentiality, with only minor misconduct found against Harding and Lane for discreditable conduct.
