East London Drug Bust: 19-Year-Old Nabbed in Newham Crackdown
Viper Teams Strike Hard on Gun and Drug Crime
Proactive patrols by the Met’s Viper teams in Newham, east London, led to the arrest of a 19-year-old man caught with class B drugs, suspected for supply. The Viper unit is focused on hunting down those fuelling gun violence across the capital.
Known gang members linked to weapons, violence, and drug dealing were also targeted during the operation, with officers stopping and searching dozens of vehicles throughout the day.
Secret Stash Found in Ford Mondeo
Officers uncovered a sophisticated hidden compartment, or “hide,” in a Ford Mondeo. Criminals often use such clever spots to smuggle weapons, drugs, and cash.
A second man, 22, was also stopped and slapped with a postal requisition charge for possessing class B drugs.
Senior Figures Show Support Amid Record Firearm Seizures
The operation drew the attention of top brass, with Commissioner Cressida Dick and Mayor Sadiq Khan joining officers on the ground. Their visit came as the Met reports a record haul of firearms. A huge 450 guns were seized in 2020/21 alone, up from 366 the previous year. The momentum isn’t letting up — already 98 guns have been recovered in the first quarter of this financial year.
Sergeant Kirsty Clark said: “The operation was a fantastic snapshot of activity taking place across London every day. Officers are working relentlessly to identify and detain violent offenders as lockdown lifts over the summer.
By being out on the streets, providing a reassuring policing presence and directly targeting offenders, we continue to deliver on our promise to keep London safe.”
Spot a Weapon? Report It Now
- If you suspect firearms being discharged or see where weapons are stored, call 999 immediately.
- You can also tweet @MetCC or visit the Met Police website to report anonymously.
- Crimestoppers offers a safe, untraceable way to tip off the police. They never ask your name and cannot trace calls or IP addresses. Submit a quick online form or call 0800 555 111. Your tip could save a life.
