Sword seized after drug detention in Whitechapel

IT BEGAN AS a simple car stop. It was mid-January, it was Whitechapel Road, E1 – and the number plate on a passing vehicle was incorrect. Officers from the Violent Crime Taskforce, out on a proactive patrol, stopped the car.

The driver’s behaviour gave officers cause for concern, and they detained him for a search under the Misuse of Drugs Act. They went on to find 20 snap bags and 17 small tubes in the car, all containing a substance believed to be cocaine. The driver, a man aged 31, was arrested on suspicion of possession of Class A drugs with intent to supply.

The man was held in custody, and the substances found in the car were sent off to be tested.  Officers then went on to search the man’s home. There they found a samurai sword and £4,000 in cash – both of which were seized.  The man was then released and the police investigation continues.

Inspector Jamie Fowler of the Violent Crime Taskforce said, “We know there is a strong link between the sale of drugs and serious violence on the streets of London. Using our powers of stop and search has led to the seizure of these suspected drugs and dangerous items, disrupting crime and protecting the public from their harm. The Violent Crime Taskforce (Violent Crime Task Force) are present in areas known for high levels of violence, looking to disrupt criminals in their tracks. Removing drugs and weapons from our streets is one of the core functions of the VCTF, ultimately working to make London safer for everyone.”

Anyone who has information about knife crime or drug dealing is asked to call the police. Alternatively you can contact Crimestoppers on 0800-555 111 and give information anonymously. Your call may save a life.

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