Police take out drug line from London to Colchester

Essex Police worked alongside Metropolitan Police to carry out drug warrants

Author: Arlen JamesPublished 10th Dec 2020

Officers arrested nine people in connection with a series of raids carried out in Colchester, London and Surrey yesterday, 9th December.

The Essex force worked in partnership with the Metropolitan Police's Operation Orochi team to target the 'Montana Line' during an investigation which started in August, involving two addresses in Colchester.

Nine people remain in custody on suspicion of conspiracy to supply a controlled drug, and a tenth person was voluntarily interviewed.

Detective Inspector Colin Bishop, of the Op Raptor North team, said: "This was a well-established drugs line running out of London into Colchester, which has now been taken out of operation.

"Drugs gangs such as this are known to exploit vulnerable people and children and we are committed to taking robust action against criminals who bring harm to our communities.

"This investigation is an example of our partnership work with the Metropolitan Police and other forces to target gangs who work across our borders, so we tackle the drugs supply chain at every level and make it even harder for them to operate."

Essex Police works closely with other organisations to support vulnerable people affected by gangs and county lines.

Hear all the latest news from across the UK on the hour, every hour, on Greatest Hits Radio on DAB, at greatesthitsradio.co.uk, and on the Greatest Hits Radio app.