Two men have been arrested following a series of co-ordinated police raids at multiple locations in Shoebury.
In the early hours of Tuesday 1 July, officers from Essex Police, British Transport Police, and the joint unit for waste crime simultaneously executed four warrants across Shoebury – targeting two residential properties and two business addresses.
A 39-year-old man from Great Wakering and a 56-year-old man from Shoebury were arrested at the scene on suspicion of drug supply and money laundering offences. Both remain in police custody for questioning.
Photos from the operation show officers using cutting tools to break into industrial shutters and force entry into shipping containers. One unit, visibly rusted and surrounded by debris, appears to have been used to store large fuel drums and engine parts.
A police dog was also deployed to search internal premises, sniffing concealed areas as part of the evidence-gathering process.
At the sites, officers recovered multiple items suspected to be linked to criminal activity. These included a number of weapons, suspected controlled substances, and stolen vehicles. Digital forensic teams examined devices found at the scene, while specialist search teams combed through containers and garages.
Detective Inspector Grant Handley, leading the investigation, said:
“We believe these businesses are being used for criminal purposes, providing cover for the supply of controlled substances. These warrants are part of our ongoing investigation into these offences and a perfect example of the interagency working that gives criminals nowhere to hide.”
The arrests form part of a wider investigation into organised crime in the Southend area. Police say further searches and enquiries are ongoing.