A clampdown on criminal gangs in North Essex has led to police arresting 28 people and seizing more than 800 wraps of suspected Class A drugs in areas including Chelmsford and Braintree.
Crack cocaine and heroin as well as 13 quantities of cannabis and a large amount of suspected Methadone have been seized by officers, who have executed 18 search warrants since the operation aimed at targeting suspected criminal gangs began in May.
The areas searched included Bramwoods Road, Haig Court, Parklands Way and Tasman Court in Chelmsford, Baileybridge Road and Templar Road in Braintree as well as parts of Colchester and Burnham on Crouch.
Two suspects have been charged with supply of cocaine and a controlled drug respectively, while 20 people currently remain on police bail after being arrested on suspicion of possession of drugs with intent to supply.
Detective Chief Inspector John Ross said: "We have definitely made a dent in the supply of drugs in North Essex and in large part this is down to information from members of the public.
"As a result, these gangs are finding it harder to operate in our towns and they know they are not welcome.
"We also know these people are involved in violence such as street robbery and we have seen a significant reduction in this offence over the past six weeks in Colchester, Braintree and Chelmsford.
A further 31 suspects have also been stopped and searched in relation to possible drugs activity and police have urged anyone with information about drug dealing or gangs in North Essex to contact the team at Braintree Police Station on 101 or ring Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
