A DRUG squad recovered large quantities of heroin and cash during a successful raid in Basildon.

Thousands of pounds in cash and blocks of heroin were seized after a specialist team from Essex Police acquired a warrant and later forced their way into a home in Little Lullaway, Basildon.

Echo:

Haul - the drugs discovered by the police

A teenage boy has subsequently been arrested and charged with possession with intent to supply class A drugs.

The 17-year-old appeared at Basildon Magistrates’ Court but no pleas have yet been entered.

Details of the raid were revealed on social media by members of Essex Police’s Operation Raptor squad.

Pictures of heroin and cash allegedly seized at the time were also posted on Twitter.

Insp Rob Maile said: “Another great job from the team.

“Charged and remanded.”

Supt Jonathan Baldwin said: “That’s what I’m talking about when referring to great teamwork.

“Excellent effort - excellent outcome, keeping people safe.”

Basildon Council leader Andrew Baggott said: “I totally endorse the police.

“We support the zero tolerance everywhere in the borough and we want to help the police to get the job done.

“I hope this is the first of many successful cases involving drugs for the police.

“It is great news to have more drugs off the streets and also this money can now be used to fight crime.

“I am also hoping it sends out a strong message that if people want to deal drugs in Basildon then go elsewhere.

“I hope this will reassure residents that police are taking the issue of drugs seriously and taking the right action.

“Residents are rightfully concerned about the issue of drugs and it is bad our communities.”

The seizure was part of a wider operation into the growing problem of drugs and violence on the streets of Essex.

Op Raptor teams were set up to specifically target drug and gang related activity particularly after gangs spread out from the capital and the recruitment of young people with “county lines” became a wider problem.