Partnership Task Force seizes drug haul in Bow

Tower Hamlets Council and police are continuing the fight against drugs in the borough, this month seizing cannabis with a street value of £5,000 in a raid in Stepney. The drugs were discovered when Partnership Task Force (PTF) officers entered a flat in Saxon road, E3, on 11th June. Officers forced entry and found a quantity of cannabis in the living room. They also noticed a strong smell of cannabis coming from outside the flat, and decided to search the suspended plasterboard ceiling, where they discovered a large haul of cannabis and suspected class A drugs.

A 30-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of being involved in the supply of controlled drugs and was taken to an East London police station where the investigation continues. Police Borough Commander Dave Stringer said: “This is another excellent example of how officers from the Partnership Taskforce within Tower Hamlets act quickly and robustly to deal with drug dealing and drug misuse. We are committed to eradicating such crime in the borough, cleaning up our streets and making our communities safer.” Lutfur Rahman, Mayor of Tower Hamlets, said: “Drug dealing and misuse are key concerns for residents and tackling these problems is one of my top priorities. We invested in the Partnership Taskforce specifically to focus on drug dealing and the anti-social behaviour that goes with it.”

The Partnership Task Force is made up of 34 police officers funded by the Mayor of Tower Hamlets and six officers funded by the police. The team is tasked jointly by the council and police. Residents can report drug dealing and misuse to the police non-emergency number on 101, or by calling Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. (In an emergency always dial 999.)