Action taken against Drug users

A key priority (set by Poplar ward residents at the most recent ward panel meeting) is to take action against drugs-related crime and antisocial behaviour around Poplar High Street. This is especially important because this activity is linked to further crimes such as burglaries and thefts.

Poplar SNT recently arranged joint patrols with Tower Hamlets Enforcement Officers and their drugs dog unit, alongside support from officers in the Met’s specialist Territorial Support Group (TSG). Strong coordination between different teams and the effective sharing of local intelligence enables targeted patrols in known hotspot areas across Poplar.

Live updates from newly installed cameras at Poplar Recreation Ground identified a large group of individuals openly taking drugs. Officers quickly attended and implemented a coordinated containment plan successfully covering multiple exit points. Additional support from passing TSG units provided a numerical advantage and allowed officers to safely detain approximately ten individuals for stop and searches.

One male was arrested after being found in possession of a knife and class A drugs; further class A drugs were discovered during a search in custody. A wanted individual linked to a robbery involving a vulnerable victim was identified despite providing false details and was arrested. The same individual was also wanted for multiple theft offences.

Antisocial behaviour warning notices were issued to those involved creating opportunities for future enforcement through Community Protection Notices and Criminal Behaviour Orders, which are escalated levels of enforcement against the people most persistently committing antisocial behaviour.

The operation highlights excellent partnership working, proactive policing as well as effective use of intelligence and resources to address ongoing drug related ASB in Poplar Recreation Ground.