Second property closed in drugs crackdown

The order was served because drug dealers - who are not the occupiers of the address – were reported to be using the property for the supply of class-A drugs.   This is the second such order issued in a week. On 2 August, a similar order was served at a sheltered housing unit on Snakes Lane, Eastwood, also being used in the supply of drugs.  

The court orders at both properties prevent anyone other than named individuals, anyone working on behalf of South Essex Homes, police and registered healthcare professionals from entering.   Anyone else seen entering the property can be arrested and faces up to 51 weeks in prison, an unlimited fine or both.  

Some residents of the accommodation reported on Anson Chase reported that the users were going into the stairwells to use the drugs. Older residents were reporting feeling very nervous about using their communal areas.  

Cllr Mark Flewitt, cabinet member for public protection, said: “Yet again, I commend the Council, South Essex Homes and Essex Police on their close co-operation. Securing these court orders protects the lawful tenants of the properties while disrupting the supply of illegal, harmful drugs in Southend.  

“This sends a clear message to those involved in the supply of drugs in our town that the net is closing in on them. We will not relent in stamping out the menace of drugs in our communities and will not shy away from taking similar action at other addresses when required.”  

Chief Supt Paul Wells, of the South Local Policing Area and Essex Police’s lead for Operation Raptor said: “This is another excellent result in our continued fight against those intent on selling drugs on the streets of our county.  

"We won't tolerate individuals who think they can supply drugs on our streets. With our partners we will continue to take every opportunity to disrupt them, deter them, arrest them and put ultimately put them behind bars.  

"We want the community to know that where we receive information about drug dealing in the community we will act on it."  

Essex Police set up Operation Raptor teams in the North, South and West of the county to tackle those involved in drug and gang-related crime.”  

If you have information about drug or gang-related crime in your community call Essex Police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.  

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