Five charged in Class A drug investigation

Five people have been charged after officers from a team targeting high harm crime in south Essex executed six warrants across the county.

Officers from Operation Mantis were joined by more than 40 colleagues from teams across the force in the strike phase of the investigation.

The warrants, which were executed yesterday morning (Friday 15 September), were part of an investigation into the supply of Class A drugs. Officers attended addresses in St Osyth, Maldon, Basildon and Wickford.

In total, three men and two women were arrested.

During searches of the properties, a number of items of significance were seized.

Five people have now been charged and will appear at Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court this weekend.

• Glen Harper, 37, of Dairy Farm Meadow, St Osyth, has been charged with conspiracy to supply Class A drugs, possession with intent to supply Class A drugs and acquiring or possessing criminal property;
• Lindsipho Mtyanda, 31, of Lower Mardyke Avenue, Rainham, London has been charged with conspiracy to supply a controlled drug and possession with intent to supply Class A drugs;
• John Pomfrett, 27, of Thistledown, Basildon, has been charged with conspiracy to supply Class A drugs;
• Rebecca Ingledew, 27, of Southend Road, Wickford, has been charged with conspiracy to supply Class A drugs; and
• Joanna Derrick, 48, of Great Mistley, Basildon has been charged with conspiracy to supply Class A drugs.

'Tireless investigation'

Sergeant Adam Jarvis, of Operation Mantis, said:

“Over the course of the last eight months, officers from Operation Mantis have worked tirelessly, in addition to their daily workload, to progress intelligence culminating in this action.
“My thanks go to colleagues from all teams who supported the investigation and helped to secure these significant charges.
"We are determined to drive down drug supply across south Essex and ensure our communities remain safe and those who are intent on committing crime are dealt with robustly."

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