The Metropolitan Police said that 2kg of Class A drugs (pictured) had been seized by officer in Tower Hamlets
(Picture: The Metropolitan Police)Nineteen people have been arrested and a large haul of Class A drugs seized after a series of dawn raids in Tower Hamlets.
Officers arrested nineteen males, aged in their 20s and 30s, on suspicion of offences including conspiracy to supply Class A drugs, possession with intent to supply Class A drugs and money laundering.
Around 2kg of Class A drugs, £120,000 in cash and more than £100,000 worth of assets linked to money laundering were seized during the raids, police said.
All of the suspects remain in custody at a police station in east London.
The arrests form part of the Metropolitan Police’s ongoing Operation Continuum, launched in December 2017 in response to reports of drug dealing and drug use in Tower Hamlets and Hackney.
Detective Chief Inspector Sean Lyons, said: “This morning’s warrants are another strong message to those involved in drug-related criminality and our commitment to tackling this issue.
“We know that drugs are inextricably linked to violence and that men and women are exploited through drug supply.
“Through operations like Continuum, we are able to further safeguard, reassure and reach vulnerable people who may be affected by this criminal activity.
“Officers from the Violence Suppression Unit, dedicated ward officers and Neighbourhood Task Force will continue to work on the ground providing high visibility patrols in the area, ensuring that local residents can go to them for advice if they are affected by the disruption following this action.”
John Biggs, Mayor of Tower Hamlets, said: “We are committed to working with local police to tackle crime and antisocial behaviour. Through Operation Continuum we are sending a clear message to those involved – this will not be tolerated in our borough.”
