POLICE have arrested 22 people following a series of early morning raids across Colchester and in east London today. Officers from Essex worked alongside Metropolitan Police to make the arrests following the intelligence-led operation. The arrests took place in the Colchester and east London areas from 5.30am this morning with the suspects being taken into custody in Colchester, Clacton and Rayleigh

It is understood that further arrests and premises searches will be made in the coming days.

Officers have been able to conduct the operation following invaluable intelligence from the local communities.

Chief Superintendent Alison Newcomb, divisional commander for Essex Police’s eastern division, said: “This operation has targeted drug users on a large scale, and is certainly the biggest operation we’ve had in the district this year.

“I’m delighted with the results we’ve had: they show not only these criminals but local residents and those intent on travelling to Essex to commit drugs offences that we will be proactive in ensuring illegal activity is not taking place on our streets.

“We know that there’s a close link between drug abuse and crimes such as burglaries and thefts. Offenders often steal to fund their habit, and the cycle of crime continues. This is why the supply of illegal drugs affects the lives of so many people.

“We are committed together with residents, businesses, and partners in Essex to make the area lawfully hostile to those intent on plying their illicit trade.”

Chief Supt Newcomb added that the police would now be working with other agencies to ensure those affected would get help.

“We will be working closely with other agencies to ensure people affected by this activity can get access to the help they need as well as working with local groups and the council to encourage residents to continue to work with us to stamp out this behaviour.”

Anyone who has any concerns or wants to pass information to the police locally in Colchester should contact 0300 333 4444 or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.