Harlow arrests in drug dealing crackdown
Essex Police have carried out coordinated strikes on nine addresses in Harlow
Last updated 30th Jul 2024
Ongoing work to stamp out drug dealing and cut crime in Harlow saw multiple arrests during coordinated strikes on nine addresses this morning.
Officers from Harlow Community Policing Team, with the support of Operation Raptor teams and Operational Support Group, entered the properties shortly after 6am.
Seven of the warrants were executed at addresses located around and within The Stow, Harlow, as part of an initiative launched with partners to regenerate the area.
They were carried out as part of ongoing work to disrupt gang-related activity, including drug supply and associated violence.
Across the nine addresses, officers seized weapons including an extendable baton and a knife, multiple mobile phones, suspected Class A drugs, cannabis and a four-figure sum of cash.
From one address, officers further recovered a stolen motorcycle.
Eight men and one woman were arrested on suspicion of drugs or weapons offences and remain in custody for questioning.
Chief Inspector Paul Austin, Harlow district commander, said: “These warrants followed weeks of preparation and intelligence building, targeting addresses we know to be associated with ongoing issues impacting on the public in The Stow.
“They were carefully planned and coordinated, resulting in a good outcome for the team.
“The warrants also followed an extensive briefing with partners including Harlow Council, ensuring we work hand-in-hand with those who know this community and its most pressing issues which need to be tackled from the ground up.'