Hundreds of pounds worth of drugs have been removed from the streets during a police operation to target and disrupt drug activity within the community.

Over the last month, Basildon’s Community Policing Team has been running Operation Reptile within the Wickford area, headed up by Pc Asa Smith.

This is an operation solely focused towards combatting the drug activity that is prevalent in the town.

Police officers have said they are thrilled so far with the results of the ongoing operation.

Over the course of the operation, police have been carrying out a mixture of high visibility patrols and plain clothed patrols in the hot spot areas, where drug dealers are known to hang out.

The operation has meant police have already arrested several suspects for being concerned in the supply of drugs, had a number of foot chases with dealers who have discarded bags full of cannabis and cocaine, executed warrants and have issued a number of cannabis warnings.

The officers recovered a knife, as well as a significant quantity of cannabis and what is believed to be cocaine.

They have also gathered intelligence and have more warrants lined up to execute later this month.

PC Asa Smith said: “The results speak for themselves.

“We are going a long way to try and tackle the drug issues in the town.

“This may not always be in the forefront of the public eye and there is a lot of intelligence gathering required to tackle the drug trade.”

The team are appealing to members of the public to report anything they think may help tackle the problems of drug dealing in the Wickford community.

If you have any information regarding drug dealing, supply or usage in Wickford please contact Pc Asa Smith at Basildon Community policing team either direct by email 73605@essex.pnn.police.uk or on 07980709593.

Alternatively, you can give information completely anonymously at crimestoppers-uk.org or call 0800 555111.