A police raid on a property in Westcliff led to the arrest of a woman and the discovery of suspected Class A drugs, weapons and a large haul of stolen bikes and e-scooters.
Officers from Southend’s Neighbourhood Policing Team entered a home in Ronald Park Avenue under Section 23 of the Misuse of Drugs Act, acting on repeated intelligence reports of suspected drug dealing and anti-social behaviour coming from the address.
Six people were found inside the property at the time. All were searched and a woman was arrested on suspicion of possessing Class A drugs. Officers say they recovered what is believed to be crack cocaine, alongside four knives and a BB gun.
A significant quantity of suspected stolen property was also found. Police seized around a dozen pedal bikes and six e-scooters, many in poor condition or with parts missing. The items are now being examined to try identify their owners.
An XL Bully dog that was roaming loose in the garden was also taken from the address, as officers worked to secure the scene.
Sergeant Alex Farr, from Southend NPT, said:
“We had multiple reports of activity linked to drug use at the address and moved quickly to enter the property. Inside we found a substantial amount of what we suspect to be stolen property, as well as Class A drugs and a number of weapons.
“Drug dealing exploits vulnerable people and is linked to many other forms of offending from shoplifting to serious violence. As part of proactive problem-solving team in the NPT, we are committed to shutting down the supply lines and limiting dealers’ ability to operate.
“If you suspect drug dealing is taking place where you live, please report it to us or Crimestoppers and we will investigate.”
A nearby resident, who watched the police activity unfold, said the house had become a “constant source of stress” for the area and that locals were “relieved to finally see action taken.”
Enquiries into the seized items remain ongoing.