GUN CITY: Loaded firearm found on suspected drug street dealer in busy London park

DRUGS and a dangerous firearm were seized by police patrolling a park in west London.

The officers, from the West Area Violence Suppression Unit, were on patrol in Southall Park at around 8.30pm yesterday, Tuesday, June 16, as part of the Met's proactive approach to policing open spaces across London.

They spotted two men, both aged 23, who were sat on a bench acting suspiciously. When they were approached by plain-clothed officers, both men ran off.

They were chased by officers and detained near Uxbridge Road.

A search of the men found approximately 100 wraps of class A drugs (pictured below). One of the men had a rucksack in which officers found a live firearm with ammunition (pictured above). This was immediately made safe by firearms officers.

As a result of the search, both men were arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply class

A drugs. The man found with the firearm was further arrested on suspicion of possession of a firearm.

Both men were taken to a London police station where they remain.

Acting Inspector Jake Albon-Massey, of the West Area Violence Suppression Unit, said: "Officers across London are actively patrolling parks to ensure they are safe spaces for everyone to enjoy. This is a fantastic example of how officers used their judgement and powers to detain and search two men who could have presented a danger to the public. I would like to thank them for their work to bring them into custody.

“Parks across London are increasingly busy as Covid restrictions ease and sun seekers come out to enjoy the outside space. Plain-clothed and uniformed officers are regularly out in parks and will continue to crack down on drug dealing, violence and other offences. I'd encourage anyone who has concerns while visiting our parks to speak to officers.”

Meanwhile, two men have been charged with firearms offences in connection with an unconnected incident when a handgun was discharged towards a group who were in a children’s play area in Brixton on Tuesday, April 13.

Jordan Adu-Sarfo, 26, of Clapham was charged with possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life.

Hafide Kamara, 21, of Stockwell was charged with possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life and possession with intent to supply a class B drug.

Both men were charged on Tuesday, June 15 and appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on the same day.

They were remanded in custody and will next appear at Inner London Crown Court on Tuesday, July 13.

This follows an investigation by officers from the Specialist Crime Command (Trident South).