Police fish 100 wraps of cocaine and heroin out of the Thames after dealer threw stash in the river during chase
- Violent Crime Taskforce spotted drug deal taking place in Deptford, London
- During chase the suspect threw a white plastic bag into the River Thames
- Marine Police located package said to include 14 wraps of heroin and cocaine
- Man was arrested soon after on suspicion of possession with intent to supply
Police clamping down on drug activity were forced to dip in to the River Thames to collect evidence thrown away by a suspected dealer fleeing officers.
Scotland Yard’s Violent Crime Taskforce were on patrol in New Cross, south London at around 1pm yesterday when they witnessed a drug deal take place along the river’s Foreshore.
The suspected dealer saw the officers coming for him and quickly ran off.
Police clamping down on drug activity were forced to dip in to the River Thames to collect evidence thrown away by a suspected dealer fleeing officers
During the foot chase, he was spotted throwing a white plastic bag into the River Thames.
Officers called in for support from the Marine Policing Unit (MPU), who swiftly arrived to the spot on the riverbank opposite the Isle of Dogs.
Luckily the bag was found floating on the surface of the water and was quickly collected by an officer dangling over the side.
The bag is believed to contain around 14 wraps of heroin and cocaine and has been sent away for testing.
The bag is believed to contain around 14 wraps of heroin and cocaine and has been sent away for testing. The man was arrested shortly afterwards on suspicion of possession with intent to supply
The man was arrested shortly afterwards, and was found in possession of £800 in cash and was arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply.
He remains in police custody.
Inspector James Hendrick, of the VCTF, said: ‘This incident shows how tackling violent crime in London truly is a Met-wide effort. Without the support of the MPU, we may not have been able to safely recover the suspected drugs.
‘We know that drug dealing is closely linked to violence and it is our priority to continue to tackle this serious crime and keep communities safe.’