CCTV footage has captured the moment a Met Police officer tackled a drugs suspect who was wielding a crowbar. The suspect, aged 28, was stopped by two plain-clothed officers as he rode a stolen moped in Brixton. Tied to the moped was a carrier bag containing MDMA, cocaine, and pink cocaine—a mix of ketamine, MDMA, and caffeine with pink food dye. He also had cannabis and £1,500 in cash.
During a search, the suspect fled on foot, discarding the drugs, but was apprehended after a struggle. He was arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply and grievous bodily harm after hitting an officer in the face with the crowbar. He has been bailed pending further enquiries.
Operation Gallium crackdown
The arrest is part of the Met's wider operation to tackle gun crime and serious violence. Dubbed Operation Gallium, the week-long crackdown has seen 297 arrests, with 238 charged, for offences including possession of dangerous weapons, possession and supply of Class A drugs, and attempted murder. The force also seized 38 weapons.
Officers executed warrants, conducted 233 stop and searches, and apprehended known gang members. The operation comes as Lambeth and Southwark experience an uptick in gang-related tensions and serious incidents.
Rising violence in London boroughs
Ten homicides were recorded in the two boroughs between January 1 and June 2—almost 20% of the 55 people killed in London this year. Though knife crime appeared to be falling, gun crime was up by 5% in Lambeth and 11% in Southwark in the year to June 30.
However, the Met Police has said it will continue to crackdown on serious violence. Over the past 18 months, serious violence offences were down by almost 20%, while lethal gunshot victims reduced by 27%.
Officer's statement
Detective Chief Superintendent Emma Bond, who led the operation, said: “This activity is part of an ongoing campaign to drive down violence and make our neighbourhoods safer. That sustained approach is already delivering results, with knife crime down by 18 per cent across Lambeth and Southwark.
“But we know that despite this success, gangs continue to do harm to London’s communities. In recent weeks and months, more families have had to endure the unimaginable pain of losing a loved one to senseless violence.
“We do not want to see another life lost which is why we’re so determined to keep taking robust action.
“Those driving serious violence across London should be under no illusion. We are targeting them relentlessly, and we will use every power available to take weapons, drugs and dangerous offenders off our streets.”
