A man has been arrested for cannabis possession after a stop and search in Barking Town Centre.

Officers also issued two men with a penalty notice for disorder (PND) and a warning during the operation.

Tuesday evening’s patrol, a joint operation between Scotland Yard and Barking and Dagenham Council’s CCTV control room, saw six people stopped and searched.

“Drugs, regardless of what kind, are not a victimless crime,” said Jonathon Toy, the council’s operations director for enforcement services.

“We are sending a clear message to those individuals who think they are above the law that they aren’t wanted in our borough.”

The council launched a Public Space Protection Order at the site last month, to ban anti-social behaviour such as street drinking, urinating and, controversially, begging.

Cannabis, a Class B drug, is illegal to possess, supply or produce.

Anyone caught with the drug risks a warning, fine or arrest depending on the circumstances.