Community safety initiative in Whitechapel leads to arrests of suspected drug dealers

Officers from the Met’s Specialist Crime Command and Tower Hamlets Neighbourhood Policing Teams have today arrested four suspected drug dealers as part of ongoing work to tackle serious and organised crime in Whitechapel.

 They were arrested on Thursday, 5 June as part of an investigation into drug supply in and around Altab Ali Park. They remain in custody.

 Detective Superintendent Vicky Tunstall, the Met's Neighbourhood Policing Lead for Tower Hamlets, said:

“Drug supply is often linked to other offences such as violent crime and cause misery within our communities. By tacking targeted action, we aim to reduce offending and tackle drug supply to improve the quality of life for residents, businesses, and visitors to the area which is rich in its cultural importance and a vital area for recreational opportunities and activities.  

“We have been listening to the people of Whitechapel to understand what matters most to them, and this operation has followed months of planning by our officers.

"We are focused on tackling the crimes that impact communities most heavily to reduce offending and improve neighbourhoods, and hope, while there is still a long way to go, that the people of Whitechapel are now starting to see the benefits of the work we have been doing in and around the area.

“As we progress forward with our efforts to combat crime and improve safety, we will be working with our communities to build up the area and contribute to making sustained improvements.”  

The arrests are part of an operation, focused around Altab Ali Park, aiming to restore the area as a safe and welcoming space for all. The three-phase approach involves clearing the area of criminal activity, holding it to prevent re-infiltration, and building a stronger community through collaboration with local organisations. As part of the work, two new food vendors have been introduced to the park, encouraging residents and workers to use the space for socialising and relaxation.

Altab Ali Park has a rich history and cultural significance within Tower Hamlets and the partnership work aims to return it to a location for residents, businesses and visitors by reducing crime and anti-social behaviour.

The work uses a multi-agency approach to support individuals subject to Criminal Behaviour Orders (CBOs), helping them access services such as substance misuse support, housing, and mental health care.

On 5 June residents and local businesses also gathered at Altab Ali Park for a special Community Safety Day, hosted in partnership with the Metropolitan Police and Tower Hamlets Council. The event highlighted the positive strides being made as part of a community crime-fighting initiative aimed at tackling serious and organised crime in Whitechapel.

Cllr Abu Talha Chowdhury, Cabinet Member for Public Protection and Integrated Enforcement, said:

"Altab Ali Park is a cherished part of our borough’s heritage, and we’re proud to see it becoming a safer, more vibrant space for everyone. This initiative shows what’s possible when the council, police, and community work together to tackle crime and build lasting change.”