Drugs seized and arrests made in police crackdown

The County Lines Intensification Week ran from 25 November to 1 December

Twenty-eight people were arrested and drugs with a potential street value of more than £310,000 were seized during a week-long police crackdown.

Essex Police carried out operations as part of its latest County Lines Intensification Week to target drug dealers.

The work included the discovery of cannabis plants in Tilbury that would have yielded drugs with a street value of more than £300,000.

Det Ch Insp Neal Miller said: "We are creating a hostile environment for dealers and sending a very strong message."

The force issued warrants in Chelmsford and London that led to five arrests following an investigation into drug lines.

One man jumped from a first-floor window in his pants and vest in an attempt to escape, said the force. He was wanted on recall to prison.

Overall, £3,000 in cash was seized from suspects and addresses linked to drug dealing.

Officers also safeguarded 38 people, including eight girls and 10 boys under the age of 18.

Six addresses linked to cuckooing were visited and officers spoke to hotel staff and taxi drivers to raise awareness of the signs of child exploitation.

Essex police seized a bag of cocaine and heroin as part of the operation

Arrests on drugs offences were also made in Southend, Basildon, Waltham Abbey and Grays across the week, which ran from November 25.

Det Ch Insp Miller said: "The youngsters who are lured into this life think it's going to be bags full of cash.

"They have no control over where they go and when - they don't keep any of the money and are at the risk of becoming victims of serious violence."