Police found Kinder Eggs filled with drugs that had been hidden inside bins, bricks, and a man’s underwear in a series of raids on a Kingsbury pub.
Met Police officers made the surprising discoveries during call-outs to violent brawls and routine licensing checks of Jono’s Pub in Church Lane, Kingsbury.
The pub now faces a review of its licence, with owner Kenneth McCormack ordered to attend a Brent Council meeting on January 21.
Officers from the police’s drugs and gangs units accused Mr McCormack of “complete disregard” for his licensing conditions, and requested a full review of his licence.
They have also asked for strict conditions to be applied.
In a search of the pub in November last year, sniffer dogs found suspected cocaine wrapped in lottery tickets inside yellow Kinder Surprise Eggs, which were then hidden in bins and within a brick.
In a separate search in May last year, two men were arrested after one was found in possession of a Kinder Surprise Egg containing white powder.
A strip search then revealed another man had concealed one of the plastic egg shells in his underwear.
The extraordinary discoveries were made public in documents submitted to Brent Council’s Alcohol and Entertainment Licensing Committee.
Another officer claims that “the bar bench seats were loose with a vast space beneath suitable for hiding drugs,” while on another raid, a suspect is claimed to have told officers he had “ditched some green [cannabis] outside”.
In January 2015, police were called to the pub after a 40-person brawl broke out during a 21st birthday party, resulting in one man being hit over the head with a glass and another on the head with a stool.
In their licence review application, Met Police officers claim they have “no faith in the ability of the management to operate the premises responsibly under the current authority” and underline the need for a review based on “the severity of the crime and disorder occurring from the venue as a result of complete disregard of the existing conditions”.
Further conditions that police would like to see applied to Mr McCormack’s licence include doormen outside the premises from 9pm when the pub is open past midnight and a register of security staff; no entry or re-entry after 11pm; hourly toilet checks including daily drugs checks; no use of the back yard; and further training for staff.
Jono’s Pub was contacted for comment but did not respond.
David Thrale, head of regulatory services at Brent Council, said: “Following a request by the police, the Alcohol and Entertainment Licensing Sub-committee will next week consider adding or tightening 12 conditions on the licence for Jono’s Pub.
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