DRUGS and weapons have been seized as part of an operation to target violent crime on the streets of Southend.

Essex Police is one week into Operation Southend having pledged to put more officers on the streets after an increase in violent crime.

Special teams of officers, from the operation support group and Op Raptor South, who target gangs and drug crime, have been out in full force and have seized weapons, cash and drugs.

During the first week the specialist team stopped a suspicious vehicle and arrested two men after finding two knives, a large quantity of drugs and tools for committing theft.

The unit attended a disturbance where they recovered a bag of wraps which were suspected of containing class A drugs.

They also recovered scales and a knife.

A man was arrested and found to be wanted for three other offences in Scotland.

The Op Raptor team also recovered drugs and arrested a man for drug driving and possession with intent to supply.

On Wednesday, both teams carried out a raid at a house in Fairfax Drive, Westcliff, after receiving information about illegal activity.

A 32-year-old man was reported to court for possession of a class B drug and will receive a summons in due course.

The specialist squad also seized drugs off a 15-year-old boy in Westcliff later that day.

Acting Chief Insp Fergus Caulfield said: “Although the rise in violent crime is a national issue and not specific to Southend, we appreciate the concerns being raised by people in our community.

“The community in Southend is strong and vibrant and we want residents and visitors to know that we will continue to do everything in our power to prevent crime and protect the people.

“I hope that we will be able to highlight the ongoing work of our officers to deter people from committing violent crime.

“We also continue to work with partners to encourage people to make better life choices and discourage them from choosing a lifestyle which may lead to the use of weapons, drug and gang crime.” If you have information about drug dealing or gang-related crime in your area call Essex Police on 101.