Kilburn High Road - Live Facial Recognition Operation

I wanted to provide an update regarding drug dealing / drug use, which some members around this area have highlighted as an issue of concern on the Met Engage priority survey.

Officers from Kilburn, West Hampstead, Fortune Green and Frognal SNT took part in a Live Facial Recognition operation on Kilburn High Road on Tuesday 20th January 2026. During this 4 hour deployment officers made 7 arrests for a variety of offences. 1 offender was arrested for failing to appear at court, 1 offender was arrested for perverting the course of justice and 5 offenders were arrested after being recalled to prison. 1 of these offenders was then further arrested for possession with intent to supply class A drugs after they were found in possession of a large quantity of suspected class A drugs.

This is a great example of facial recognition technology and how it can be effectively implemented to keep our streets safer.

We are committed to tackling drug dealing wherever we find it. We will keep you updated on our efforts to do this in your area, but if you have any concerns or evidence, it is important you report this as soon as possible.  

If you ever experience this issue or have information regarding an incident, please report it using our online reporting tools at https://www.met.police.uk/, speak to an operator in our Force Communications Room via our online web chat or call the non-emergency number 101.  

Alternatively, you can stay 100% anonymous by contacting the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via their untraceable online form at crimestoppers-uk.org. 

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