DRUGS squad officers made eight arrests in four days as part of a continuing operation across Basildon and Southend - including one suspected dealer accused of looking to sell 60 wraps of cocaine and heroin.

Officers made the find in Southend last Tuesday after attending a suspected domestic violence incident.

Mohamad Samagassi, 27, of Boscombe Road, Southend, has since been charged with possession of crack cocaine with intent to supply and possession of heroin with intent to supply.

He appeared at Southend Magistrates’ Court where he denied the offences, but admitted possession of a small amount of cannabis. He will now stand trial at Basildon Crown Court on November 9.

Meanwhile, last Thursday, in Basildon, a 48-year-old man, from Basildon, was arrested on Broadmayne, Basildon, following a stop and search on suspicion of possession of class B or C drugs, possession with intent to supply drugs other than class A, possession with intent to supply class A drugs and possession of an offensive weapon. He has been bailed January 18.

A 19-year-old man and a 21-year-old man, both from London, were arrested at Basildon police station on the same day on suspicion of possession of class A drugs and released on bail until January 18.

A 42-year-old man from Basildon was arrested at Shepeshall, Basildon, at 6.30pm on suspicion of possession of class B or C drugs, possession of class A drugs and possession with intent to supply class A drugs and has also been bailed to the same date.

Sgt Ash Holland, who leads the Operation Raptor drugs squad in Southend, said a “significant” amount of drugs had been taken off the streets.

Meanwhile, non drug related arrests were also made by the squad in Salisbury Avenue, Southend, last Friday.

Ben Sharratt, 25, of Archer Avenue, Southend, was charged with theft of a motor vehicle, making off without payment and theft.

A 17-year-old boy, from Southend, was charged with theft of a motor vehicle, driving without insurance, making off without payment and driving while disqualified.

Both are set to appear at Southend Magistrates’ Court this week.

The following day, a 16-year-old boy from Basildon was arrested at Brundish, Pitsea, on suspicion of burglary. He has been released on bail until December 9.