East London Man Jailed for Trying to Buy Grenade
Mohammed Chowdhury, 24, from Bethnal Green, east London, has been locked up for nine years after police caught him trying to buy a hand grenade in February 2020. A proactive police operation sniffed out his plot before it could unfold.
Explosive Evidence Found at His Home
Following Chowdhury’s arrest, officers raided his home and seized digital devices. Detectives uncovered a trove of dangerous material on his phone—documents and manuals detailing how to make explosive substances and devices. They also recovered handwritten notes with chemical formulas and diagrams copied straight from those manuals.
Target Planned: Police Station
While awaiting trial in prison, Chowdhury revealed in conversations with family that his intended target for the grenade was a police station. This chilling admission added weight to his charges.
Guilty of Terrorism-Related Offences
On 18 November 2020, Chowdhury pleaded guilty to four counts of possessing documents likely useful to terrorists under the Terrorism Act 2000. A trial concluded in February 2021 found him guilty of attempting to possess explosives with intent to endanger life or property, violating the Explosives Substance Act 1883.
The Old Bailey sentenced him on Monday, 21 June, handing down a hefty nine-year prison term.
Commander Richard Smith, head of the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command, said: “Chowdhury downloaded extremely concerning manuals on creating and deploying explosives. He attempted to get a hand grenade with plans to attack a police station. These serious crimes put the public at risk but the successful police operation means the public are safer today.”
He added: “This case is a stark reminder terrorism threats persist. We urge everyone to stay vigilant as public life returns to normal. Report anything suspicious, however small, so police can act accordingly.”
See or hear something dodgy? ACT now. Contact police confidentially via gov.uk/ACT or call 0800 789 321. In an emergency, dial 999 immediately.
