Four people were arrested during a successful drugs search dog operation in Stratford last week.

Newham Recorder: Police launch a stop and search operation at the Stratford Centre with police dogs in actionPolice launch a stop and search operation at the Stratford Centre with police dogs in action (Image: Archant)

Officers from Newham took to the streets outside the Stratford Shopping Centre, in Broadway, in a bid to tackle the illegal possession of drugs.

Altogether four people were arrested during the operation last Wednesday, after they were found to be in the possession of drugs.

Three people were also issues with penalty notices.

Sgt Daniel Benge from the Stratford New Town Centre team, who led the operation said a number of drugs were also seized at the scene.

Newham Recorder: Police launch a stop and search operation at the Stratford Centre with police dogs in actionPolice launch a stop and search operation at the Stratford Centre with police dogs in action (Image: Archant)

He said: “This operation benefits Newham as it allows members of the public to continue their day to day business, but also allows the Metropolitan Police to tackle issues that surround the illegal possession of drugs.”

“The possession of drugs often leads to other crimes, including Anti Social Behaviour.

“In completing these operations it not only encourages joint partnership with other agencies but will increase public confidence to show that officers complete both pro-active and re-active policing.

“Overall we received a good reaction from members of the public.”

Sgt Benge added: “I use a number of tactics in both covert and overt officers patrolling Stratford, and will continue to complete operations to benefit the community.

“In the last three weeks the team have arrested more than 40 people for a number of offences and will continue to provide the policing that the public deserve.”