Fake bakery busted after £2,500 of cannabis seized

Police officers from Woolwich’s Integrated Enforcement team raided Dvine Cakes and Food in Herbert Road, Woolwich, following information from the council’s Safer Spaces team and the local community.

The drugs – which police estimated had a street value of £2,500 – and £2,000 in cash as well as multiple mobile phones were found stashed throughout the premises.

During the raid it became clear that the business was not being run as a bakery as there was no evidence of food or preparation areas, and the drinks found in the fridge were out of date.

A three-month closure order has been granted by Bexley Magistrates, due to the anti-social and criminal behaviour taking place at the premises.

Greenwich councillor, Ann-Marie Cousins, said: “I’m incredibly proud of the teamwork between the council and the police, not to mention the bravery of members of the public, who all provided the vital information to make this warrant happen.

“The success of this warrant and our community engagement activities show we are serious that there is no place for drugs in Royal Greenwich.”

Met PC Lauren Paczensky, who led the operation, said: “This is an area that officers have dealt with relentlessly for over two years and we’ve been working closely with the council to try and piece together where these drugs were being dealt from and stored.

“There have been numerous complaints from members of the public and local businesses which have been affected by anti-social behaviour and violence because of the drug dealing in the area.

“I want to thank the public who have come forward in their numbers with information that has made this operation possible.”

Pictured top: Police raid Dvine Cakes and Food in Woolwich (Picture: Greenwich council)