A LONGSTANDING member of the Thurrock-based drug-dealing gang C17, who has been subject to a number of other sentences and injunctions banning him from parts of the borough, is back behind bars after his latest clash with the law.

Basildon Crown Court heard that Marcel Zawolski from Grays has graduated through the gang to become the head of one of its drug-running 'county lines' – less than eight months after coming out of prison for a previous drug-related conviction.

Police officers who are part of the Essex Force's Operation Raptor team which targets drug dealing, raided the 20-year-old's Dell Road home in February this year and found more than £1,800 in cash, a list of phone numbers, three mobile phones, and suspected Class A drugs.

When he was searched in custody, officers found 40 wraps of heroin and a set of electric scales hidden in his underwear.

He was later charged with being concerned in the supply of heroin, being concerned in the supply of crack cocaine, possession with intent to supply heroin, and acquiring, using, or possessing criminal property.

At Basildon Crown Court on 11 March he denied possession with intent to supply heroin but admitted the other charges. That charge has been allowed to lie on file.

At the same court on 27 May when he appeared for sentencing the court was told Zawolsk was the head of a county line known as "4465 which he took over last year.

He was charged with supplying of Class A drugs and possessing heroin and criminal property. He admitted the offences and was jailed for 37 months.

In his defence, Zawilsku said he was pressured and threatened by the gang after his release from prison, though Judge Samantha Cohen said she was sceptical of his claims.

Investigating officer PC Emma Ridings, from the Op Raptor team, said: "Drugs are a scourge on our society, causing misery to our communities and ruining lives.

"We will continue to proactively identify those selling drugs, disrupt their activities and bring them to justice.

"If you think you can sell drugs with impunity in Essex, you are wrong.

"Our Op Raptor teams are out every day tackling drug dealers and drug gangs while our new Disruptor teams are tackling the violence which often goes hand-in-hand with the sale of drugs."