WEAPONS, cash and drugs were seized as part of a large police operation to tackle cocaine dealers in the county.

Sixteen people have been arrested so far during the operation, which began in the early hours of yesterday morning. in Brentwood.

Police bosses hope launched the raids to target a network of suspected cocaine dealers.

Essex Police launched an investigation in February this year targeting dealers supplying people in bars and pubs across Brentwood town centre at weekends. 

Supported by the council, Essex Police began investigating Class A drug dealing in the town centre and building a picture on individuals.

The investigation went public yesterday when more than 20 co-ordinated raids took place across Brentwood.

In total, 18 people so far have been arrested on suspicion of offences ranging from possession of drugs, to possession with intent to supply, conspiracy to supply and being concerned in the supply of drugs.

Chief Insp Lewis Basford, District Commander for Brentwood, said: “We are continuing to take our fight to the people who think they can sell drugs on the streets of our county.

“People may think that taking cocaine on their night out on a Friday or Saturday doesn’t harm anyone but they are wrong.

“There is a human cost to every single drug sold illegally. Someone, whether that is a child or vulnerable person, will have been exploited to get that drug from the person at the top of the drug dealing chain to the individual buying that on the street.

“It may be that a child is trafficked into transporting those drug packages for a dealer, or it may be that someone with a drug habit is exploited into selling cocaine and is subjected to violence unless they comply.

“Every single wrap of cocaine will be at the cost of someone’s blood or tears and we would ask people to think about that the next time they think about taking it for a laugh or a good night out.

“As this operation shows, however long it takes we will target those who think they can sell drugs on the streets of our communities.

“I would like to reassure the residents of Brentwood that where we receive information that criminals, gangs or drug dealers are active in their area we will, as today shows, act on that.

“I would also like to send a clear message to drug dealers and criminals that they are not welcome on the streets of Brentwood or Essex.”

At one address in Rollason Way, Brentwood eight people were arrested for a variety of drug offences.

Imitation firearms, including a replica MP5, automatic handgun and revolver were seized alongside a haul of the suspected Class B drug cannabis and a selection of other weapons.

Officers also discovered a large outdoor shed believed to be a makeshift cannabis cultivation set-up.

Properties in Ongar, Dagenham, Grays and Romford were also targeted.

Those arrested are as follows:

  • A 33-year-old woman arrested in High Grove, Pilgrims Hatch, on suspicion of possession with intent to supply a Class A drug.
  • A 42-year-old man arrested in Coal Court, Grays, on suspicion of possession with intent to supply a Class A drug.
  • A 28-year-old man arrested in Tillingham Bold, Brentwood on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of drugs.
  • A 33-year-old man arrested in Clarence Road, Brentwood, on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of drugs.
  • A 26-year-old man arrested in Osbourne Road, Pilgrims Hatch, on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of drugs.
  • An 18-year-old man arrested in Rodney Road, Ongar, on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of drugs.
  • A 23-year-old man arrested in Rollason Way, Brentwood, on suspicion of possession of a Class A drug.
  • A 27-year-old man arrested in Rollason Way, Brentwood, on suspicion of possession of Class A drug.
  • A 21-year-old man arrested in Rollason Way, Brentwood, on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of drugs.
  • A 26-year-old man arrested in Rollason Way, Brentwood, on suspicion of possession of Class A drug.
  • A 23-year-old man arrested in Rollason Way, Brentwood, on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of drugs.
  • A 23-year-old man arrested in Rollason Way, Brentwoond on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of drugs.
  • A 57-year-old man arrested in Rollason Way, Brentwood on suspicion of possession with intent to supply a Class A drug.
  • A 58-year-old woman arrested in Rollason Way, Brentwood on suspicion of possession with intent to supply a Class A drug.
  • A 29-year-old man arrested in Little Pound, Doddinghurst, on suspicion of possessing Class B and Class C drugs.
  • A 27-year-old woman arrested in Little Pound, Doddinghurst, on suspicion of possession with intent to supply Class A drugs,
  • A 26-year-old man who handed himself in to Basildon police station was arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply.
  • A 25-year-old man arrested in London Road, Brentwood, on suspicion of driving under the influence of excess drugs.

If you have information about drug or gang-related crime in your community contact Essex Police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.