A HOME in South Ockendon was raided this morning as part of a year-long major police operation to crack a drugs supply line to Thurrock.

Five men have been arrested as part of the investigation into a drugs line which began operating in the borough and expanded into London and the West Midlands.

Essex Police worked with the Metropolitan Police Service and the Eastern Region Special Operations Unit to carry out warrants at four addresses in South Ockendon and Hackney this morning (Tuesday 19 January). Officers also attended an address in Coventry.

Four men aged 19, 22, 23 and 24 from Hackney were detained at three addresses in Lansdowne Drive, Brownlow Road and Fisher Close in Hackney.

A 21-year-old man from Coventry was detained at an address in Waterloo Street, Coventry.

They were all arrested on suspicion of being concerned in supplying a controlled drug and remain in custody for questioning.

Mobile phones and about £3,800 in cash has been seized.

The investigation has been led by officers from Operation Raptor, which specialises in targeting and dismantling drugs gangs.

Detective Sergeant Russ Chamberlain said: "Today's warrants are the culmination of an investigation that began in January 2020.

"We have been investigating the Flip Flop drugs line, which had been supplying drugs in Thurrock, before expanding into east London and the West Midlands.

"The line has now been taken out of operation, and we regularly work with other forces to target and dismantle gangs that work across our borders to make it even harder for them to operate.

"Drugs gangs breed off greed, violence and using vulnerable people, and we are taking robust action to drive them out of our communities.

"We also work closely with other organisations and charities to support people who are affected by gangs and drugs lines, through education, rehabilitation and diversionary activities."

What to do about drug concerns

Police have advised that if you have concerns about drug dealing in your area, or are worried about someone who is involved in drugs gangs, you should contact them contact us.

You can submit a report online via this link where you can also use the 'Live Chat' button to speak to an online operator. between 7am-11pm.

Alternatively, you can call 101. Information can also be given to independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.