A 21-year-old has been charged with a series of offences as police crackdown on drug dealing gangs in Braintree. 

Essex Police has secured a number of charges against Liam Henderson, of no fixed address, and seized a substantial quantity of drugs and two bladed weapons following an investigation. 

Teams from the force's 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.

Their work led to the execution of a warrant at an address in Braintree on June 4. 

Henderson, of no fixed address, has been charged with being concerned in the supply of heroin, crack cocaine and a Class C drug, possession with intent to supply crack cocaine and possession of criminal property. 

He appeared at Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court on June 5 where he was remanded in custody until a further hearing takes place on July 3. 

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 is 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.”