Three men have been charged following an alleged incident of false imprisonment linked to suspected Class A drug supply in Brentwood.
Essex Police's specialist drug enforcement team has been investigating a heroin and crack cocaine county line believed to be operating in the area.
During their enquiries, officers received a report a victim had been falsely imprisoned and threatened with a firearm over a drugs debt.
Armed officers then carried out a warrant at an address in Alfred Road, Brentwood, on February 5, arresting seven people in total.
Suspected crack cocaine was also recovered from the address, as well as multiple phones, knives, and a knuckle duster.
Three men were later charged - one of whom is from Brentwood.
Karim Ali, 37, of Alloa Road, London, was charged with possession with intent to supply crack cocaine, false imprisonment, possession of a firearm with intent to cause fear of violence and criminal damage.
Martin Bellett, 47, of Copperfield Gardens, Brentwood, was charged with possession with intent to supply crack cocaine, false imprisonment and possession of an offensive weapon in a private place.
Leonard Liverpool, 61, of Capworth Street, London, was charged with possession with intent to supply crack cocaine, false imprisonment, possession of an offensive weapon in public, possession of a firearm with intent to cause fear of violence and criminal damage.
A 33-year-old woman, a 35-year-old woman and a 36-year-old man - all from Brentwood - alongside a 35-year-old man from Epping, were arrested on suspicion of drug supply offences and remain on bail.
Temporary Detective Inspector Tom Whelan Bassett said: "This warrant required speed matched with careful, calm coordinated action in response to suspected violence and weapons linked to drug supply.
"We continue to investigate and take action in relation to suspected Class A drug supply in Brentwood and across wider Essex.
"Our wider work against drug lines often involves months of careful evidence gathering, so my message to the public is to please keep talking to us.
"The reports and information we receive help us target those we believe to be involved at all levels of the supply chain."
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