VIGILANT door staff at a nightclub have been praised for seizing hundreds of pounds worth of suspected class A drugs from customers.

Security staff at Chicago nightclub, based in Festival Leisure Park, Basildon, seized at least 40 wraps of what is believed to be cocaine from clubbers since March 18.

The amount of drugs are understood to have a street value of at least £1,200 - one wrap can be sold for about £30.

Clubbers are searched at the doors of the nightclub and any wraps of drugs discovered were seized and placed inside a secure drugs “pod” at the premises.

Officers from Basildon’s community policing team are then able to pick up the drugs and safely dispose of them.

Sgt Mark Yorke-Wade, from the team, said: “The amount of drugs seized is a credit to the door staff and security at the nightclub, who have been searching customers entering the premises and also keeping an eye on them within the premises.

“There is always going to be drugs that they are not going to find, but this is a really good result for the police and the club.

“Anyone found with drugs have been banned from the club.

“We are not going to be able to convict these people who had the drugs, but it is a positive step in taking class A drugs off the street and stopping people from consuming them.”

David Burton-Sampson, deputy mayor at Basildon Council, praised the efforts of the club’s security staff and police.

He said: “I was aware that the police were working closely with the clubs at Festival Leisure and tackling drug use there.

“It is great to hear that some positive action has now been taken and they have tackled the issue head-on.

“It will make Festival Leisure a more desirable place for people to go and socialise with their friends and family.

“I applaud the work that the door staff and the police have done.

“They are doing a fantastic job.”

A spokesman for Chicago Basildon said: “The safety and enjoyment of our customers is our main priority.

“And we simply don’t tolerate anti-social behaviour of any kind. Certainly not drug taking or dealing.

“We have a zero tolerance approach to drug taking and will take action against anyone who tries to bring illegal substances into our bar.

“The team have worked incredibly hard to tackle this issue and we are proud that their efforts have been recognised.”

Anyone with information about drug activity in Basildon can call the Basildon community policing team on 101.

Or they can alternatively call independent crime-fighting charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

Or go online and visit crimestoppers-uk.org and complete a form.