Drug arrest

On the evening of Wednesday 21st January officers from the Territorial Support Group were on patrol in Victoria when they observed a young male outside the Pret a Manger at the top of Vauxhall Bridge Road acting in a manner consistent with the dealing of drugs.

The male was detained under Section 23 of the Misuse of Drugs Act. Officers suspected he was retaining Class A drugs in his mouth as he refused to speak and appeared determined to keep his mouth shut. He was therefore arrested for obstructing a drug search.

A quantity of Class B drugs was found on his person as well as a significant amount of cash deemed to be inconsistent with a person of his age. Over concerns for his wellbeing he was initially taken to St Thomas’s hospital under police supervision. 

Once satisfied his health was no longer a cause for concern he was eventually taken to Hammersmith Police Station and interviewed with a duty solicitor and an appropriate adult present. He was later bailed pending further investigation.

This incident shows our ongoing commitment to fighting the local drug trade and its impact on our ward. But it also reveals the complexity of the challenge we face, including the recruitment and exploitation of young people by those who control the supply of illegal drugs.