Twenty-seven people were arrested after two deployments of an operation targeting organised criminal activity on the county’s roads.

Officers from Roads Policing, neighbourhood and local policing teams worked alongside the Operational Support Group (OSG) and Intelligence to make arrests for offences including vehicle theft, possessing drugs with the intent to supply, drug driving, and possession of weapons.

Deployments in Chelmsford and Maldon, and Grays and Brentwood in the past ten days led to results including the discovery of half a kilo of suspected cocaine after a car that had travelled into Essex from London was stopped, the recovery of two high-value stolen cars, and the seizure of 16 vehicles.

The team also focused on exploitation and road safety in the gig economy, partnering with immigration officials from the Home Office.

Riders working for takeaway delivery companies were checked to make sure they had the correct licences, insurance, and the legal right to work. Safeguarding checks were also conducted at several carwashes.

Across the two nights, six people were arrested for immigration offences and another six were bailed by immigration officials.

Sergeant Dean Young, who leads the operation, said it’s making a positive impact:

“The organised criminal gangs (OCGs) that operate in Essex are involved in a number of different types of criminality, from vehicle theft and drug dealing through to immigration offences.

“We are limiting the OCGs ability to operate by targeting them on the roads and protecting the vulnerable people they exploit as part of their business model.

“Our aim is to catch the perpetrators and safeguard those who are at risk of exploitation, and we’ve had excellent support from the Eastern Region Modern Slavery and Organised Immigration Crime Unit and the Home Office in helping us to do this.

“By talking to delivery riders and visiting venues where concerns have been raised, we are looking out for vulnerable individuals. For those who are working legally, our checks are very quick, and the majority are more than happy to share their details and get back to work.

“We’ve made a significant number of arrests, seized a substantial quantity of drugs, recovered stolen cars, and seized vehicles that should not be on the road.

“We will not tolerate anyone causing harm or putting other road users at risk in Essex, so if you’re driving around under the influence of drugs, or without a licence or the proper insurance, we will take your vehicle from you.”

Information sourced with permissions https://essexpolicemedia.co.uk/