A CRACKDOWN targeting drug dealers across Tendring has been launched as officers respond to a 38 per cent rise in drug trafficking offences.

Essex Police has launched Operation Albatross, a crackdown aimed squarely at pumping more energy and resources into the disruption of drug dealing.

The operation will involve officers across the district gathering intelligence, ramping up stop-and-searches, vehicle stops and search warrants.

As part of the crackdown, officers will attempt to engage with youngsters by hosting video game tournaments.

The operation has been launched as Essex Police reveal a 38 per cent rise in recorded drug trafficking offences in the 12 months leading up to September.

Chief Inspector Paul Wells, district commander for Tendring, said: “Those offences are examples of officers making drug-related arrests or seizures and each one represents positive, proactive work.”

He added: “The illegal drugs trade is massive and the vast majority of dealers don’t care who they sell to or what harm it causes.

“Drug dealing leads to serious violent crime and to users who need to steal to fund an addiction or a habit.

“We also see so much hidden harm when dealers are allowed to operate as they want.

“Vulnerable people are exploited every day, for example through ‘cuckooing’ or being made to carry drugs.

“Where there is drug dealing, we also see channels for other criminal commodities, including weapons and sometimes, humans.”

Cuckooing is a growing practice whereby drug dealers will occupy the homes of addicts and use them as bases for their illicit operations.

Chief Insp Wells said half the battle for the police is the difficulty in preventing young people from becoming caught up in the “dangerous world” of the drugs trade.

He said: “Gangs will target young and vulnerable people and pressure them into doing things like carrying drugs and recruiting other children.

“For them it’s cheap, low-risk labour.

“Looked-after children or kids going through tough times, are often the easiest targets for gangs and criminal groups.

“By holding events like a computer games tournament and bicycle workshops, we can speak to young people in an informal setting, show them we’re real people not just a uniform and also show them that g drug dealing ruins lives and, ultimately, gang life doesn’t pay in Essex.

“There is loads more work to do in this area and diverting young people is absolutely key.

“If we do it well, we will save lives.

“Gang life is not glamorous - it’s violent, exploitative, and dangerous and hard to walk away from.”

Chief Insp Wells called on the people of Tendring to play their part in tackling the issue.

In a direct call to residents, he said: “Information from you about people using or selling drugs is crucial to us knowing who is involved and making it much more difficult for them.

“If you have information about people selling drugs in your community, we need you to let us know.

“This is an issue which affects the whole community and the whole community can make a massive difference.

“We will keep working really hard to keep Tendring a hostile place to buy and sell drugs.

“Where dealing is concerned, no one should turn a blind eye.”

Anyone with information about people making, growing, buying, selling or distributing illegal drugs, please call us on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.