A vulnerable Ealing resident who police believe was being exploited by a criminal gang has been moved to safety after officers investigating suspected “cuckooing” arrested an alleged drug dealer.
Plain-clothes officers from Ealing Common and Hanger Hill neighbourhood police teams carried out an operation on Tuesday (4 August 2026) after receiving information that a resident of a house in multiple occupation (HMO) had been cuckooed and crack cocaine and heroin were being dealt from the property.
Cuckooing is where criminals take over the home of a vulnerable person and use it for activities such as dealing or preparing drugs.
Police Sergeant Ashley Love alongside PCs Stack, Hussain and Humphreys were patrolling the area when they saw a man enter the HMO after climbing over a small fence.
Police said he emerged around 10 minutes later and attempted to cycle away before being stopped and searched under the Misuse of Drugs Act.
Officers found a large clingfilm ball containing 18 wraps of crack cocaine and nine wraps of heroin, with an estimated street value of £270.
The man was arrested and charged with possession with intent to supply crack cocaine and possession with intent to supply heroin. He was remanded to appear in court.
Posting on MetEngage, Police Sergeant Ashley Love, of the Ealing Common and Hanger Hill Neighbourhood Police teams, said: “The team managed to gain their trust and they have now been relocated in emergency housing away from London and are engaging with support services. Enquiries continue into other members of the crime gang.”
Sergeant Love added: “Please continue to be vigilant. If you have vulnerable neighbours, look for signs of people coming and going, or a change in their general mood and behaviour that suggests they are being exploited.”
Reports can be made to the Metropolitan Police on 101 or anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
