More than 53 people were arrested during a month-long crackdown targeting those involved in gang, drug-related and violent crime.

At the start of October, Essex Police launched Operation Essex as it stepped up the fight against those involved in gang crime and the illegal drugs trade.

During Operation Essex nearly 1,000 wraps of Class A drugs – including heroin, cocaine and crack cocaine – were seized as well as nearly £4,000 in cash.

Teams from across the force, including Operation Raptor, Operational Support Group (OSG), roads policing, public protection and community and local policing, came together over the month to specifically target those involved in drug supply in Essex as well as the associated violent offences which often go hand in hand with the illegal substance trade.

They used a variety of tactics including: automated number plate recognition (ANPR) operations to target known criminals using the roads; working with neighbouring forces to target criminals crossing county borders to commit crime; executing warrants at the home of suspected offenders; and covert and high visibility patrols in key areas.

During the crackdown officers arrested 53 people for a range of serious offences including possession with intent to supply, possessing drugs, various driving offences, possessing a knife and causing grievous bodily harm.

Acting on intelligence officers also executed warrants across the county including in Basildon, Wickford, Southend, Colchester and Thurrock.

During a warrant in Godman Road, Chadwell St Mary officers seized 272 cannabis plants whilst following a warrant in St Peter’s Street Colchester, four people were arrested and two were later charged with possessing with intent to supply Class A drugs.

Officers also carried out joint operations with British Transport Police in Thurrock and Hertfordshire Police in Harlow to target those gangs travelling across borders.

Chief Supt Paul Wells, Essex Police’s lead for Operation Raptor, said: “Every single day our officers continue to make sure our county is a no-go area for those involved in drug and gang-related crime.

“Throughout October specialist teams across our force worked hard to proactively target those involved in this type of crime, arresting 53 people and seizing thousands of pounds worth of drugs.

“But our work does not stop there. Our Op Raptor teams continue to target these individuals every single day, arresting them, executing warrants and gathering intelligence on where they go, who they associate with and even the cars they use.

“We will continue to ensure there is no place to hide for these criminals in our county.

“If you are looking to come to Essex to commit drug or gang-related crime it will only be a matter of time before you are in our cells.”

If you have information about drug or gang-related crime in your community, contact Essex Police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.