WEAPONS and drugs were seized by police in drugs raids in Southend.

Essex Police’s South Operation Raptor team targeted a property in Ilfracombe Road, Southend in the ongoing war on serious crime.

Suspected class A drugs were seized during the raid and a blade was also discovered. Two men were arrested.

Other properties in York Road and Wesley Road, Southend, and properties in Basildon were also targeted.

Community leaders have praised officers for the targeted action to claim back our streets from criminals and drugs gangs. Martin Terry, Independent councillor responsible for community safety at Southend Council, said: “I am absolutely delighted to hear this. I know Operation Raptor has proven to be very successful and I am really happy with these results.

“I have a zero tolerance for class A drugs in Southend.

“It shows we are putting more pressure on suspected drug dealers, and that is a very good thing.”

He added the action will reassure residents who are concerned about crime levels.

He added: “The more police resources we have, the more this work can be done.

“We want to and have got to get our streets back.

“We also want to get suspected drug dealers, like these men, off our streets and out of our town.”

Mr Terry said he was pleased more drugs had been taken off the streets.

Mark Flewitt, former Tory councillor responsible for public protection, echoed Mr Terry’s comments.

He said: “I also am very happy with these results.

“It sends a strong message, that we do not want drugs or people involving drugs in our town. Don’t have drugs or weapons, they are not welcome anywhere and not here in Southend.”

The raids in Southend come a week after a major drugs operation across the south of the county, involving numerous arrests.

Essex Police launched Operation Zeal to target ruthless and violent criminals responsible for causing the most harm in the community.

In total, 43 people were arrested on suspicion of various offences including conspiracy to supply drugs.

Following the most recent raid, a man aged 24 and one aged 45, were arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply a class A drug.

Both men have been released under investigation.