More than 100 people involved in a criminal network supplying Class A drugs across Tower Hamlets have been sentenced for a total of 275 years in prison.
The Met Police’s Gangs Taskforce South, in partnership with Tower Hamlets Council and other policing units, carried out a seventh-month operation as part of Operation Continuum, to tackle the drug operation in Tower Hamlets.
A total of 128 people have now been sentenced as part of the investigation into the organised criminal network which was operating in Whitechapel, Stepney, Mile End and Bow.
The operation delved deeply into all levels of supply, with those convicted from the high end of the supply chain all the way to the street dealers.
The individuals were given a total of 275 years in prison.
Lutfur Rahman, Mayor of Tower Hamlets, said:
“This is a good result which demonstrates our commitment to work with the police to tackle drug dealing in our community.
“Drugs cause a huge amount of crime and anti-social behaviour in Tower Hamlets, and this sends a clear message that drug dealing will not be tolerated.
“Longer-term solutions to tackling crime and ASB – particularly among the young – are necessary, and that’s why we’re investing heavily in the local youth service. Immediately-speaking, however, our work with the police is critical to protecting residents.”
Cllr Abu Choudhury, Cabinet Member for Safer Communities, added:
“We will continue to work with police and other partners to tackle the supply of drugs in our borough. Drugs ruin people’s lives and we will do everything we can to tackle the supply and support users to get their lives back.
“Well done and thank you to everyone involved.”
Acting Detective Inspector Sam Livesey said:
“Central East police are fully aware of the impact on the community and the concern that drugs, ASB and associated criminality can have.
“Operation Continuum is proven to be a highly successful initiative and is vital in supressing the supply of drugs within Tower Hamlets.
“Drugs are inextricably linked to a high proportion of violent crime and we will therefore continue to target perpetrators to bring them to justice working jointly with colleagues from across the Met and the Local Authority.”
Drugs outreach workers continue to engage directly with those using drugs and refer them into drugs treatment, and also offer enhanced multi-agency intervention to problematic drugs users in order to break the cycle of substance misuse.
Posted on Wednesday 24th May 2023