THREE people have been charged after police seized thousands of pounds worth of heroin and crack cocaine on the streets of Southend, it has revealed.

A specialised team of officers have been carrying out targeted patrols, and reacting to intelligence, in a bid to tackle gang crime as anxieties peak in the town following last Monday's shooting.

Police confirmed to the Echo late last week that the 23-year-old victim, shot in the stomach under the Malvern flats tower block, off Coleman Street, was indeed caught up in drug gang turf warfare.

During the crackdown, officers stopped a car in Stanley Road, and searched two men inside discovering more than 170 wraps of heroin and crack cocaine, worth up to £3,500.

Officers charged Daniel Freeman, 26, of no fixed abode, with possession and intent to supply class A drugs and Razzak Feshitan, 31, of Beresford Road, Southend, with being concerned in the supply of class A drugs and possession of cannabis.

They have briefly appeared at Southend Magistrates Court and are bailed to appear at Basildon Crown Court tomorrow, May 3.

Plain-clothed officers from the same Operation Raptor gang unit carried out a stop check in Queensway and uncovered 5.1grams of crack cocaine.

Jerome Sewell, 21, of Blackfriars Road, near Waterloo Station in London, was charged with possession with intent to supply class A and resisting arrest.

He has also appeared at Southend Magistrates Court and will next appear at crown court on Thursday, May 26.

There is no suggestion any of the three charged men were connected to the shooting.

A police spokesman said: "Operation Raptor was set up earlier this year to tackle London dealers coming to Essex to sell class A drugs such as heroin and cocaine.

"Officers have been acting on intelligence to stop and search suspected dealers, execute search warrants at properties believed to be linked to dealing and stop check vehicles of interest.

"Information police would like to know includes whether suspected gang members used certain specific types of transport, such as particular vehicles or train services."

Officers are also keen to receive information about regular meeting places, such as gyms, clubs or cafés, and whether they have favourite takeaway or fast food outlets.

Details can be passed via email to south.essex.gangs@essex.pnn.police.uk. Anyone with information about drug dealing where they live can call Essex Police on 101.

Those who don’t want to speak to police can speak anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or at crimestoppers-uk.org.