A CRACKDOWN to stop drugs getting onto Canvey has been launched.

As part of the operation suspected drug dealers were targeted as part of the fight against criminal activity on the island.

Police officers were taking part in Operation Falcon, which has been ongoing throughout the past two weeks, when the raid was carried out on a property on Canvey in the early hours of yesterday morning.

The drugs warrant saw officers from the Castle Point and Rochford’s Community Policing team storm the property and arrest a 35-year-old man.

The suspect was taken into custody on suspicion of drugs possession, resisting arrest, criminal damage and handling stolen goods.

A spokesman for Essex Police said: “Stephen Ali, 35, of Rosberg Road, Canvey, was arrested on Wednesday 20 February at an address in Rosberg Road.

“He was later charged with possession of cannabis, criminal damage and assaulting a police officer with intent to resist arrest.

“He is due to appear at Southend Magistrates’ Court on March 7.”

The raid makes up part of Operation Falcon which has seen officers try to combat alleged criminals across the island and the borough.

This included a vehicle operation around Canvey and Benfleet on Tuesday where drivers were stopped and their documents checked.

Officers used this opportunity to try and detect other criminal activity by drivers by using ANPR technology and having officers ready to deploy where necessary.

A spokesman for the Castle Point and Rochford’s Community Policing team said: “Criminals use vehicles and this is why we have days of action gathering intelligence and checking vehicles.

“There have been many occasions where we catch wanted people, do searches when we have the grounds and find drugs and weapons.

“Although that didn’t happen today we would never catch anyone if we stop vehicles and do these checks.”

The Op Falcon team conducted a previous drugs warrant on Canvey on February 14,

During the raid quantities of suspected class A and B drugs were found and two men were arrested for possession with intent to supply.

They were released under investigation while police continue to look into the crimes.

It is hoped by breaking alleged drug supply chains drug crime and those crimes associated with it - including knife crime, burglary and shoplifting - will also reduce.

More interventions are planned in the future.