Three men charged with drug offenses and exploiting young people in Essex
The investigation was launched after a number of vulnerable teenage boys from London were found with drugs
Three men have been charged as part of an investigation into the supply of Class A drugs in the north of Essex, as well as the exploitation of young people, in relation to county lines crimes.
The investigation was launched after a number of vulnerable teenage boys from London were found to be in possession of drugs in Colchester.
Officers from Essex Police then began investigating how they had travelled to the city.
As a result of those enquiries, specialist offices from the Op Raptor North team and a joint Essex and Metropolitan Police Service team executed three warrants in London and Kent on Thursday 1 December.
Three men were arrested on suspicion of drugs and exploitation offences.
Richard Talawila, 21, of Achilles Street, London, SE14, Jimmy Songa, 24, of Park Road, London, E15, and Joshua Van De Wetering, 18, of Heathside Avenue, in Bexleyheath, have been charged with being concerned in the supply for Class A drugs and arranging or facilitating the travel of a person with a view to exploitation.
They appeared at Colchester Magistrates’ Court on Friday 2 December.
No pleas were entered and all three were remanded into custody to appear at Ipswich Crown Court on January 6 2023.
Detective Inspector James Healy, who leads the Op Raptor North team, said: “Our teams target those who we believe are causing the highest harm in our communities; this is a job which is carried out 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year and our desire to keep communities safe cannot be underestimated.
“Drugs, and unfortunately the serious violence which often goes alongside it, are a poison on our communities and we will work tirelessly to target those who we believe play a part in that.”
Temporary Chief Inspector Stuart Austin, Colchester District Commander, said: “We know some gangs believe they are able to sell their produce on our streets but in Essex we take a zero-tolerance approach to that.
“I would urge anyone who witnesses any suspicious activity to report it to us. It is with information provided by you that we are best able to tackle the issues which are causing the highest harm in our communities.”