- Tower Hamlets Council launches dedicated “drugs squad” team to combat drug dealing, antisocial behaviour (ASB), and related crime in borough hotspots.
- Team of 6 officers (council-funded) works with Metropolitan Police, embedding in communities to gather intelligence and disrupt operations.
- Focus areas: Open drug dealing, violence linked to gangs/drugs, environmental damage from ASB; powers include community protection notices, closure orders.
- Launched amid rising complaints: 2,500+ ASB reports in 2025; residents fear for safety in areas like Whitechapel, Bethnal Green.
- Councillor Asma Islam (Housing lead): “Residents deserve safe streets; this squad will make real difference.”
- Met Police Superintendent Rob Atkin: Partnership “intelligence-led” to target dealers.
- Part of £2m investment in community safety; follows national crackdown on county lines and urban drug markets.
Tower Hamlets Council has unveiled a new drugs squad to crack down on antisocial behaviour, open drug dealing, and associated violence across the borough’s most troubled neighbourhoods.
The initiative, announced this week, deploys a team of six specialist officers funded entirely by the council to work alongside the Metropolitan Police. As reported by BBC News staff in their article “Tower Hamlets Council drugs squad tackles antisocial behaviour,” the squad targets persistent hotspots where residents report feeling unsafe due to brazen drug activity and related chaos.
Councillor Asma Islam, Cabinet Member for Housing and Homelessness, stated: “For too long, our communities have been blighted by open drug dealing and antisocial behaviour. This drugs squad will be out there every day, gathering intelligence and taking decisive action to make our streets safe again.” The team uses enhanced powers under the Antisocial Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014, including issuing community protection notices, closure orders for problematic premises, and supporting criminal prosecutions.
Over 2,500 ASB incidents were logged in Tower Hamlets in 2025 alone, with drug-related complaints surging 20% year-on-year, per council data cited by the BBC.
What Is the Tower Hamlets Drugs Squad and How Does It Operate?
The squad comprises six full-time officers embedded in high-risk wards. As detailed by BBC News staff, they focus on intelligence gathering from residents, businesses, and patrols, feeding directly into Met Police operations. Superintendent Rob Atkin of Tower Hamlets Police said: “This partnership allows us to be more intelligence-led, disrupting drug networks at source rather than reacting to crimes.”
Daily activities include plain-clothes surveillance, community walkthroughs, and swift enforcement. The BBC reported the squad’s first deployments target known dealing spots in Whitechapel, Bethnal Green, and Spitalfields.
Who Funds and Staffs the Drugs Squad?
Fully council-funded at £300,000 annually, with no cost to Met Police budgets. Councillor Islam emphasised to BBC News: “This is council money making a direct impact on resident quality of life.”
Why Has Tower Hamlets Launched This Drugs Squad Now?
Resident complaints have escalated, with open dealing normalising in public spaces. BBC News staff quoted locals: “Dealers operate in broad daylight; families avoid parks.” 2025 saw 15% rise in drug seizures, but ASB persisted.
The initiative responds to national trends: Home Office data shows London boroughs like Tower Hamlets as county lines hubs, per BBC context.
What Powers Does the Drugs Squad Have to Tackle ASB?
Under ASB legislation, officers can:
- Issue Community Protection Notices (fines up to £2,500 for breaches).
- Apply for closure orders (premises shut 48 hours to 3 months).
- Seize nuisance vehicles/equipment.
- Gather evidence for prosecutions.
BBC News highlighted: “These civil powers bypass criminal court delays, allowing immediate action.”
Councillor Islam added: “We’re not just reacting—we’re preventing escalation into violence.”
How Does the Squad Work with Metropolitan Police?
Superintendent Atkin told BBC News: “Council officers provide eyes and ears; we execute warrants and arrests. It’s a force multiplier.”
Joint operations planned weekly, sharing real-time intel.
Which Areas in Tower Hamlets Are Drugs Squad Hotspots?
Priority wards per BBC reporting: Whitechapel (high footfall dealing), Bethnal Green (gang tensions), Spitalfields (night-time economy issues), Shadwell (residential complaints).
Residents in these areas report discarded needles, intimidation, and youth recruitment into dealing.
What Impact Is Expected from the Drugs Squad?
Council projects 30% ASB reduction in first year. BBC News cited pilot successes in neighbouring Hackney, where similar teams cut complaints by 25%.
Long-term: Reclaim public spaces for families, reduce hospitalisations from drug violence.
Have Similar Initiatives Succeeded Elsewhere?
Yes, per BBC context: Westminster’s street warden model halved overt dealing; Newham’s ASB unit secured 200 closures since 2023.
Who Are the Key Figures Behind the Launch?
- Councillor Asma Islam: Leads housing; drove funding approval.
- Superintendent Rob Atkin: Met liaison; oversees policing integration.
- Council Leader John Biggs: Backed as “vital community investment.”
BBC News staff noted cross-party support amid election pressures.
What Do Residents Say About Drugs and ASB in Tower Hamlets?
Anonymous quotes in BBC article: “Children can’t play safely”; “Dealers threaten shopkeepers.” A Whitechapel mother said: “Finally, action— we’ve begged for years.”
Business owners welcome patrols protecting trade.
How Does This Fit National Antisocial Behaviour Crackdowns?
Aligns with Home Secretary Yvette Cooper’s 2025 ASB Action Plan, granting councils extra powers. Tower Hamlets receives £500k central funding boost.
BBC framed it as local response to urban drug markets post-levelling up agenda.
What Is the Cost and Funding Breakdown?
£300k council core budget; supplemented by £2m community safety pot including youth hubs, CCTV upgrades.
What Challenges Face the Drugs Squad?
Sustainability amid budget squeezes; dealer displacement to borders. Superintendent Atkin cautioned BBC: “Success means adapting to new patterns.”
Resident buy-in critical for intel.
Broader Context: Tower Hamlets Crime Statistics
Met data via BBC: 1,200 drug offences 2025; 40% ASB violence-linked. Borough’s density (17,000/km²) amplifies issues.
Drugs squad complements Operation Venice (knife/gang focus).
Next Steps for Tower Hamlets Residents
Report ASB via 020 7364 5004 or online portal. Squad launches patrols immediately; public meetings planned January 2026.
Councillor Islam urged: “Come forward—your tips make us effective.”
Implications for Community Safety
This proactive model could inspire boroughs like Newham, Hackney. BBC News positions it as win for resident-led policing amid 2025’s urban challenges.
