Over 24 people attempt rooftop escape after police raid cannabis café

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In partnership between the council and the met, police conducted a warrant at a cannabis café on Osborne Street, E1 in Spitalfields and Banglatown.

Over 24 people attempted to escape onto the roof but as they exited, they ran straight into the path of officers. One of the males was arrested in relation to immigration offences and taken into custody. He has been passed to the Immigration Services.

A further six males were found inside the premises, which was being used to smoke cannabis.

An examination of the premises shows that entry was gained via an intercom system, with CCTV set up to monitor those wanting to get inside.

Special Constabulary officers from Central East Command Unit assisted with the warrant.

Over 30 Covid rules breakers were all given fixed penalty notices under Health Protection Regulations and the drugs and weapons were off taken the streets.

Police Dog Lloyd also assisted.

Chief Inspector Pete Shaw, Covid Lead for Tower Hamlets, said: “My officers risked their own lives to apprehend a group of people who appeared to have no care for themselves or for protecting the lives of others with this brazen breach of the current restrictions.

“This activity was part of our ongoing partnership work in Tower Hamlets to support our communities by targeting those involved in anti-social behaviour, gangs and drug supply. My officers will continue to patrol Tower Hamlets in an attempt to reduce anti-social behaviour and to enforce the Covid legislation where necessary”.