Braintree: Drugs and weapons seized during warrant

Officers acting to dismantle drug dealing gangs operating in Braintree have secured a range of charges against a man.

They also seized a substantial quantity of drugs and two bladed weapons.

Teams from our Operation Raptor and Orochi units – dedicated to taking down county lines drug dealers and safeguarding those they exploit – led an investigation against a suspected line operating in the district.

This work led to the execution of a warrant at an address in Braintree on Tuesday 4 June, supported by officers with our Operational Support Group.

Charges have since been authorised against Liam Henderson, 21, of no fixed address.

He is charged with:

• Being concerned in the supply of heroin, crack cocaine and a Class C drug.
• Possession with intent to supply crack cocaine.
• Possession of criminal property.

Henderson appeared at Chelmsford Magistrates' Court today (Wednesday 5 June), where he was remanded in custody until a further hearing at Chelmsford Crown Court on Wednesday 3 July.

A focus on drug activity in Braintree

Chief Inspector Martin Richardson, Braintree district commander, said:

“In recent months we have seen a real concerted effort to disrupt illegal drug supply in the Braintree district.
“We know, and I am all too aware from my own discussions with residents, it’s been a particular area of concern within the community.
“We have teams dedicated to policing in the community, picking up on issues where they arise, and they work closely with specialist teams like Op Raptor to ensure intelligence is acted upon and enforcement action taken.
“The trade in illegal drugs causes misery to those caught up in the criminality, but also to the law-abiding residents who feel the impact of associated anti-social behaviour.”

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