FIVE people have been arrested on suspicion of drug-related offences in Basildon in the past week.

Officers from Essex Police's Operation Raptor team, who focus on gangs and urban street crime, made the arrests between July 3 and 17.

The arrests form part of an extra crackdown by the team in Basildon which has seen officers working around the clock to target those believed to be involved in the drugs trade. Of the arrests, three have been charged.

Sgt Ben Woollard, of Op Raptor, said: "Unfortunately the demand for illegal drugs means that there are dealers who are prepared to work around the clock selling illegal substances on our streets.

"Unfortunately for those individuals, Operation Raptor are equally committed to our jobs and we do all we can, including working tirelessly every day and night, to ensure that those illegal drugs never reach our streets and the people trying to sell them are arrested and locked up.

"We want to reassure the community that we will continue to protect and serve them by targeting these criminals."

Mata Mayamba, 32 of Travers Way, Pitsea, was arrested in Basildon on July 3, and charged with four counts of being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs, possession of criminal property and possession of a firearm. He appeared at Southend Magistrates’ Court on July 5 and was remanded in custody. He will appear at Basildon Crown Court on August 2.

Danny Hicks, 31 of Cherrydown East, Basildon was arrested on Tuesday and charged with possession with intent to supply a Class A drug, acquiring criminal property, driving other than in accordance with a licence and without insurance. He was due to appear at Basildon Magistrates’ Court today.

Collet Brown of Cherrydown East, Basildon was arrested on Tuesday and charged with possession with intent to supply a Class A drug and acquiring criminal property. Brown was released on bail and will appear at Basildon Magistrates’ Court on August 29.

A 21-year-old woman and a 17-year-old boy were arrested on July 10 on suspicion of possession with intent to supply Class A drugs, being concerned in the supply of Class A and B drugs, possessing criminal property and possessing a Class A drug. They have been released under investigation.

A 30-year-old man was arrested on Monday on suspicion of possession with intent to supply a Class A drug, possessing criminal property, possessing cannabis and possession of a firearm. He was released under investigation.