Chelmsford: Drugs and cash seized in strike

Officers working to tackle drug dealing and associated anti-social behaviour in Chelmsford seized cocaine and more than £1,000 in cash following a strike on an address.

Chelmsford’s town centre team acted upon reports received from the public and intelligence gathered, executing a warrant at an address in New Writtle Street, on Wednesday 26 June.

Inside the address, officers seized amounts of cocaine and cannabis, alongside cash, deal bags, a suspected burner phone and scales.

Preston Stanley, 18, of New Writtle Street, Chelmsford, was arrested and later charged with possession with intent to supply a controlled drug of Class A, being concerned in the supply of cocaine, possession of cannabis and possessing criminal property.

He admitted the charges at a hearing at Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court on Thursday 27 June.

He was remanded in custody and is due to be sentenced at a hearing at Chelmsford Crown Court on Thursday 25 July.

'This warrant was in response to your reports to us'

Inspector Sam Girdlestone, of Chelmsford Community Policing Team, said:

“This warrant was timed precisely to match the latest intelligence suggesting drug dealing activity around the property in question.
“We are aware of persistent issues within the community linked to this drug activity and we had been carefully progressing our investigation.
“Even if you don’t always see an immediate response to issues like drug dealing, rest assured we are building cases against those responsible and striking when the time is right to ensure evidence is secured.
“Cases like this rely on the reports law-abiding members of the public make to us and I would continue to reinforce the importance of telling us when you see something that isn’t right.
“There are numerous ways to get in touch, online or over the phone, and your reports to us are vital.”

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.

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