Drug raids: 22 arrested

A SERIES of drug raids have led to the arrest of 22 people, in the “biggest” operation in the region this year.

Officers swooped early at an address in Romford, this morning (November 4), as well as at properties across east London and Essex

It follows a two-month operation by the Essex and Metropolitan Police forces.

Chief Superintendent Alison Newcomb, divisional commander for Essex Police’s Eastern Division, said: “This operation has targeted drug users on a large scale, and is certainly the biggest operation we’ve had in the district this year.

“I’m delighted with the results we’ve had: they show not only these criminals but local residents and those intent on travelling to Essex to commit drugs offences that we will be proactive in ensuring illegal activity is not taking place on our streets.

“We know that there’s a close link between drug abuse and crimes such as burglaries and thefts. Offenders often steal to fund their habit, and the cycle of crime continues. This is why the supply of illegal drugs affects the lives of so many people.

“We are committed together with residents, businesses, and partners in Essex to make the area lawfully hostile to those intent on plying their illicit trade.”

Anyone who has any concerns should contact Crimestoppers on: 0800 555 111.

Those arrested have been taken to custody facilities in Colchester, Clacton and Rayleigh.

Further arrests and premises searches are anticipated in the next few days, police said.