Southend: Modern slavery and drugs charges secured

Specialist officers have secured modern slavery charges against a man after an investigation into a drug line operating in Southend.

On Tuesday 23 January, officers executed a warrant at an address in Shoeburyness, making one arrest.

They further seized telephones and a three-figure sum of cash.

This warrant followed investigative work into a drug line believed to be selling crack cocaine and heroin on the streets of Southend.

Our specialist Op Raptor South Team identified two children had reportedly been working for the line.

Liam Atkins, 24, of no fixed address, has been charged with two counts of requiring a person to perform forced or compulsory labour and two counts of being concerned in the supply of a Class A drug.

He is due to appear at Southend Magistrates’ Court today (Wednesday 24 January).

Are you worried that a friend or someone you know may be being exploited through County Lines or organised criminal activity?

Maybe they are returning home late, staying out all night or even going missing for days or weeks at a time.

Are they suddenly being secretive about who they are talking to or where they are going?

Or perhaps you’ve noticed they have large amounts of money on them, or new clothing, jewellery or phones they wouldn’t be able to afford.

Through Fearless, young people can pass on information 100% anonymously to get help.

If you need help from police, call 101 or, if it's an emergency, always call 999.