Drugs Raids Nab Cannabis Cultivators in East London
Police have cracked down on illegal cannabis farms in Barking, Dagenham, Havering, and Redbridge. Officers from the Drugs Focus Desk, part of the Violence Suppression Unit, struck twice within a week, seizing hundreds of cannabis plants and dangerous weapons.
Man Busted in Charnwood Drive Cannabis Raid
On Monday, 29 March, cops executed a warrant at an address in Charnwood Drive, E18. A 29-year-old man was arrested on the spot. He now faces charges of cannabis cultivation and electricity theft. The suspect remains in custody ahead of his Crown Court hearing later this month.
Second Bust Uncovers 125 Cannabis Plants and Bladed Weapons
Just days later, in the early hours of Tuesday 6 April, officers raided a home on Arnold Road, Barking. Inside, they found around 125 fully grown cannabis plants and all the gear needed to grow them. All plants and equipment were seized for destruction.
During the search, police also recovered several bladed weapons, adding a violent edge to the drug operation.
Two men, aged 47 and 24, were arrested on suspicion of cannabis cultivation. Both were later released on bail and are set to return to police in mid-May.
Police Vow to Smash Drug Crime in East London
Detective Sergeant Owen Morgan of the Drugs Focus Desk said:
“The sale and use of drugs, and the crime associated with them, is a blight on the lives of law-abiding people in our community. Working together with our partner agencies and making use of all of the resources available to us, we will continue to take all possible action to disrupt and dismantle the activities of those producing and dealing drugs.
Our priority is to minimise the negative impact that the drug trade can have on the quality of life for ordinary people living, working and raising their families in east London.”
Got Tips? Call Police Confidentially
If you have information about drug activity in Havering, Redbridge, or Barking and Dagenham, contact the East Area Drugs Focus Desk on 101.
