Plain-clothed police officers seized drugs in Tooting during a number of Stop and Searches over the weekend, it was reported today (Sunday, June 7).

A spokesperson for the branch of Wandsworth Met Police force said that officers had conducted a number of Stop and Searches on Saturday night (June 6).

They did not confirm how many of the reported eight stop and searches uncovered criminality, but said that "cannabis and GBL" had been seized.

GBL or gamma butyrolactone is a depressant chemical sometimes used recreationally.

"A plain clothes operation lead by PC Knellar and Watford was run last night with MPS Furzedown and MPS Earlsfield

"Following a briefing from PC Knellar they proactively policed Tooting hotspots resulting in eight stop and searches with cannabis and GBL being seized!" A spokesperson for Tooting Police posted to Twitter on Sunday.

The controversial 'Stop and Search' tactic gives police the authority to conduct searches on anyone they have "reasonable grounds" to suspect is carrying a prohibited item or items like banned substances or weapons.

Recent reports have pointed to a dramatic rise in the use of Stop and Search by police in the UK over the last two years, despite the fact that Home Office figures suggested black people are disproportionately targeted by the tactic.