Man jailed for drug and knife offences after routine stop and search

A man has been jailed after a routine stop and search conducted by Met Police officers found him to be carrying drugs and a locking knife.

Ali Al-Hindawi, 29 (16.10.95) of Askew Road, Hammersmith, appeared at Southwark Crown Court on Tuesday, 18 March, where he was sentenced to two years and two months in prison.

On the evening of Sunday, 16 February, officers patrolling Leicester Square and Coventry Street noticed Al-Hindawi acting suspiciously on an e-bike, paying close attention to people walking by.

Working with the Town Centre Team, Al-Hindawi's movements were monitored on CCTV cameras before he was stopped by officers on Charing Cross Road. He was found to be concealing a bag under his jacket containing cannabis, methyl amphetamine and other illegal substances.

He also admitted having a locking knife hidden inside one of his pockets and was arrested.

Further investigations involved a search of his home in Hammersmith, where a larger consignment of drugs was seized, along with equipment used in drug supply.

Al-Hindawi pleaded guilty to possession with intent to supply Class A drugs and possession of a bladed article at Highbury Corner Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, 18 February.

Inspector Ryan Allister, of the West End Policing Team, who led the investigation, said:

“This investigation is a great example of the important role stop and search plays in helping the Met bring criminals to justice, protect the communities we serve, and make people safer.

“In this case, officers used their stop and search powers impeccably and progressed the investigation at speed to gather all the evidence required to charge Al-Hindawi.

“Their efforts have not only resulted in a dangerous individual operating in central London being jailed, but also taken a large quantity of drugs and a knife off our streets.”

The Met published a new Stop and Search Charter at the end of last month, shaping the future of how one of policing’s most effective tactics is used in London.

The charter, which was co-produced with communities, is the product of 18 months of engagement with more than 8,500 Londoners of all ages, ethnicities and backgrounds.

Over the past four years, 17,500 weapons were seized as a result of stop and search, including at least 3,500 in 2024. Polling shows that up to 68 per cent of Londoners, including young Londoners, support its use.