Harlow arrests in drug supply investigation
Specialist anti-drug officers arrested 11 people
Last updated 21st Dec 2022
Specialist anti-drug officers arrested 11 people this morning as part of a complex investigation into the supply of Class A drugs and the serious violence associated with that in Harlow.
Strike teams comprised of officers from Operation Raptor, our Operational Support Group, Harlow community policing team and the west Disruptor executed warrants at 14 addresses, including in Harlow, Hertfordshire and London, at about 5am this morning.
Eleven people were arrested on suspicion of drug offences, including conspiracy to supply Class A drugs and being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs.
They all remain in custody for questioning and officers are continuing to search a number of properties.
The investigation was launched in April 2022 after Police noticed the rise in the number of incidents of serious violence in Harlow which we were then able to link to the supply of Class A drugs.
Chief Superintendent Andrew Waldie, who has overseen the operation, said: “Drug supply and the serous violence which very often goes alongside it are simply not tolerated in Essex.
“Our dedicated teams work 24 hours a day, seven days a week in order to disrupt and dismantle gangs.
“Even in the days before Christmas, we are targeting those who we believe are causing the highest harm in our communities. We are relentless in our pursuit against them.”
Ch Supt Waldie added: “Our work, of course, does not stop here. Officers will now question those who have been arrested as they build a case to be put to the Crown Prosecution Service.
“Our commitment to our communities is unwavering. Today’s strike is just one element we’re using in this operation.”