Several arrests were made during coordinated strikes as Essex Police is cracking down on drug dealing and crime in Harlow. 

Officers from the Harlow Community Policing team, were supported by Op Raptor and the Operational Support group when they entered nine addresses shortly after 6 am on July 30. 

Seven of the warrants were executed at addresses located around and within The Stow, as part of an initiative to regenerate the area. 

Two further warrants were also executed in Chelmsford as part of ongoing work to disrupt gang-related activity, including drug supply and associated violence. 

Arrest - One woman and eight men were arrested in Harlow on July 30Arrest - One woman and eight men were arrested in Harlow on July 30 (Image: Essex Police)

Weapons, including an extendable baton and a knife, as well as multiple mobile phones, suspected Class A drugs, cannabis and a four-figure sum of cash was seized across the nine properties. 

Eight men and one woman were arrested on suspicion of drugs or weapon offences and remain in custody for questioning. 

Following the seizures and arrests, officers engaged with the community in and around The Stow. 

Chief Inspector Paul Austin, Harlow district commander, said: “These warrants followed weeks of preparation and intelligence building, targeting addresses we know to be associated with ongoing issues impacting on the public in The Stow. 

“They were carefully planned and coordinated, resulting in a good outcome for the team. 

“The warrants also followed an extensive briefing with partners including Harlow Council, ensuring we work hand-in-hand with those who know this community and its most pressing issues which need to be tackled from the ground up. 

“If you deal drugs in Harlow, you will be caught. We are grateful for the information we have received from the public and a lot of hard work has been going on in the background to pursue offenders. 

“Drug dealing exploits vulnerable people and damages communities. It also fuels other forms of offending from shoplifting and anti-social behaviour to serious violence. 

Police - Officers strategizing in HarlowPolice - Officers strategizing in Harlow (Image: Essex Police)

“If anyone suspects drug dealing is taking place in their local area, please report it to us or if you’d prefer to report anonymously, you can contact Crimestoppers.

"The more we know, the more we can do to keep communities safe from this type of offending.”