The London Underground used to be a symbol of the city’s heart, moving millions safely every day. Now, shocking scenes of crack cocaine on London Tube carriages have sparked widespread alarm. Ministers and the public are united in concern as London Underground drug use becomes more visible, raising questions about safety, leadership, and what can be done next.

A New Low for the London Underground

Grimy carriages, coughing passengers, and a disturbing new reality greet Londoners on their daily commute. Videos and images have flooded social media, showing people brazenly smoking crack cocaine in plain sight, often surrounded by children and families. The scent of smoke, the sight of drug use, and the growing boldness of offenders make many feel helpless and exposed.

Just last week, a passenger described seeing a “dirty, scruffy-looking” man light a metal pipe and “phlegm on the floor”, sending nearby travellers fleeing down the carriage. For some, these moments come when they least expect it, as happened to a woman left “petrified” when a man smoked crack next to pregnant women. She reported it, but British Transport Police never replied, and the man walked away unchallenged at Victoria Station.

Crack Cocaine on London Tube Goes Viral

Social media makes the problem hard to ignore. Reddit and TikTok are full of videos capturing the open use of drugs on the Underground and Overground. One viral clip shows a man lighting up a DIY bong in a “priority seat” while children walk past, their parents powerless. Another film, taken on a packed carriage, shows a man smoking crack as onlookers exchange awkward glances.

Each new video draws anger and disappointment from viewers. Comments like “How is this happening on London’s public transport?” and “Completely unacceptable” sum up the public mood. It’s clear that crack cocaine on London Tube and wider London Underground drug use have become an everyday risk for ordinary passengers.

The Shocking Rise in Tube Crime

The crime surge extends beyond drug use. Since Sadiq Khan became Mayor in 2016, crime on the Tube has more than doubled, up from 9 crimes per million journeys to 21 by March 2023. Major stations like King’s Cross St Pancras, Epping, and Poplar have all seen big jumps in offences, making them hotspots for trouble. March 2023 marked a grim milestone, with 24.9 crimes per million journeys, the worst on record for the Underground.

Already in 2024, more than 6,300 crimes have been reported on London’s trains in just three months, averaging over 70 a day. Some passengers say they feel forced to stay alert, avoid certain seats, and travel only at safe hours. Others report witnessing drug injections, open threats, or feeling abandoned after reporting issues to staff.

Where Is Crime Most Common?

Not all Tube and Overground stations face the same danger. Poplar Station leads with 58.7 crimes per million passengers, closely followed by Cockfosters, King’s Cross St Pancras, and Epping. High-traffic hubs like Paddington and Clapham Junction report large numbers of incidents, though their overall rates are slightly lower due to heavy footfall.

Official Response to London Underground Drug Use

The government and Transport for London (TfL) admit the seriousness of the situation. Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander has called it very concerning and said that passengers have a right to travel safely. Mayor Sadiq Khan responded that TfL employs 500 enforcement officers and that staff can intervene or contact police when needed.

But many aren’t satisfied. Some Tube workers say certain offenders are “well known”, with one crack-smoking passenger reported every few days. Frustrated commuters share that reporting issues to staff brings little action. “They know they can get away with it,” one wrote, speaking not just about criminals, but about a wider loss of faith in law enforcement underground.

TfL insists it is working with police and outreach teams, especially where drug use is linked to homelessness and mental health. A spokesperson said, “We want all customers to feel safe when travelling, and understand the alarm this kind of behaviour could cause.”

Why Has Crack Cocaine on London Tube Increased?

The changing social landscape is part of the problem. The rise in rough sleeping, cuts to addiction support services, and growing confidence among offenders have all made the Tube a last resort for many in crisis. Without strong barriers, regular enforcement, or extra deterrents, the places meant to be safe for commuters risk turning into shelter for those with nowhere else to go.

The data tells a clear story. After years of falling crime, Underground incidents hit their lowest point in 2016, just before Sadiq Khan took office. Since then, the numbers have reversed, with almost every year seeing a higher crime rate. More worrying still, the boldness of those committing these crimes seems to be increasing, encouraged by the lack of consequences.

Restoring Safety and Trust in London’s Underground

The spike in crime and open drug use has eroded trust in the system, making many passengers wonder about the future of London’s iconic Underground. While TfL pledges more safety measures and police patrols, the numbers are moving in the wrong direction. The clear message from the public is that enough is enough.

Everyone deserves safe, reliable transport. Images of crack cocaine on London Tube carriages haunt travellers and damage London’s reputation around the world. With passenger confidence shaken, only firm, visible action can hope to restore order and bring London’s core transport network back to its best.

Source: Daily Mail