Extra patrols were carried out over the past fortnight
Officers carried out a combined 2,846 extra hours patrolling parts of the county – fitting in the equivalent of four months extra work in just two weeks as part of Operation Sceptre.
Superintendent Craig Saunders said: “Our county is a safe place to live, work and visit and we are determined to keep it that.
“This extra focus in west Essex over the last two weeks was part of our ongoing efforts to target drugs gangs in particular, as they are prone to use violence and exploit vulnerable people.
“We will do everything we can to drive these people out and keep our communities safe.”
The extra work was carried out in towns including Brentwood, Grays, South Ockendon, Debden, Loughton, Chigwell, Buckhurst Hill, Waltham Abbey, and Harlow.
During that time, 74 people were arrested for various offences, including 14 for possession with intent to supply drugs.
Essex Police also seized nearly £18,000 in cash, took drugs including crack cocaine and heroin off the streets and confiscated weapons including a machete and an extendable baton.
The operation was carried out between Monday, 9 March to Sunday, 22 March in addition to regular patrols.
Here are some of the arrests made by Essex Police during Operation Sceptre over the past two weeks:
A 60-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of being concerned in supplying a controlled drug after officers carried out a drugs warrant at an address in Lime Close, South Ockendon, on Thursday, 19 March. He has been released under investigation while officers continue their enquiries. A 19-year-old man at the address was reported for possession of cannabis.
Police forced entry to the property in Lime Close, South Ockendon, last week
Officers stopped a Mercedes in Shevon Way, Brentwood, on Thursday 12 March and spoke to the driver and passenger, who were acting suspiciously. During a search they found £13,000 in cash and a number of mobile phones. The men, aged 21 and 30 from Isle of Wight, were arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of drugs. They have been released on bail until Tuesday, 7 April.
A man was arrested after police were called to reports of a man armed with a knife in Tilbury on Saturday, 14 March. Carl Imms, 42, of no fixed address, was charged with possession of a blade in a public place and two counts of using threatening or abusive words or behaviour. He denied the charges at Basildon Magistrates’ Court on Monday, 16 March and is next due to appear at Basildon Crown Court on Tuesday, 14 April.
Two women were arrested on suspicion of drugs offences after officers stopped a Nissan Qashqai in The Lindens, Loughton, on Wednesday 18 March. The 20-year-olds from Abridge and Sawbridgeworth were arrested on suspicion of being concerned in supplying a controlled drug and possession with intent to supply drugs. They have been released under investigation while enquiries continue.
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Tags: Chigwell, Essex, Grays, Thurrock, Brentwood, Buckhurst Hill, Loughton, Epping Forest, South Ockendon, Tilbury, Abridge
