A POLICE operation has seen weapons, drugs and cash seized from the streets of south Essex as the force tackles county line drug dealing.

More than a dozen people were arrested on suspicion of drug-related offences during the week of action by Essex Police’s Operation Raptor teams as part of a nationwide crackdown.

In Essex, officers from the drug and gang units worked to execute warrants, carry out high visibility and covert patrols, arrest known and wanted drug dealers and targeted those travelling into the county to commit crime.

During the crackdown 13 people, including a 13-year-old boy, were arrested on suspicion of offences ranging from possessing drugs with intent to supply, burglary and theft of motor vehicle.

A total of six blades were seized, including a zombie knife, as well as a knuckleduster and an axe.

Officers also seized numerous quantities of the Class A drugs heroin and crack cocaine as well as cannabis and nearly a thousand pounds in cash.

Chief Supt Paul Wells said: “Every day our Operation Raptor teams are out there targeting those involved in drug dealing.

“But the issue of drug dealing gangs is not one that can be solved by any one force working in isolation.

“As with this week of action, we have and will continue to work with our neighbouring forces to target these ruthless drug dealers as they cross our borders to ply their trade.

“But we must also continue to work with our partners in local authorities, housing, health and social care, and education to ensure we recognise those at risk of exploitation by these gangs and divert them away from a life of violence, crime and drugs.

“We also continue to urge those members of the community to keep telling us about the gangs and drug dealers operating in their areas. Their information is vital in helping us to put these individuals behind bars.”

James Brooks, 22, of Victoria Avenue, Southend, was sentenced to two years and eight months for producing a Class B drug, possession of a Class B drug with intent to supply and possession with intent to supply a Class A drug.

Dean Hosford, 39, of Briscoe Road, Pitsea was arrested and charged with two counts of burglary and one of attempted burglary. He appeared at Basildon Magistrates’ Court on Saturday October 13 to face the charges.

He was remanded in custody and will next appear at Basildon Crown Court on November 12.

A warrant was executed at Broomfields Court, Basildon and three people were arrested.

Rahman Hassan, 30, of no fixed abode was charged with two counts of possessing a Class A drug with intent to supply. Maureen Doyle, 59, of Broomfields Court was charged with two counts of possessing a Class A drug with intent to supply and acquiring criminal property.

They will next appear at Basildon Crown Court on November 12.

A 13-year-old boy, arrested on suspicion of possessing a Class A drug with intent to supply, was released under investigation. Max Vine, 39, of Mansell Close, Eastwood, was arrested and charged with failing to appear in court to face a charge of possessing a knife. He will appear at Basildon Crown Court on November 9.