DRUG gangs moving from big cities to deal in towns across Essex is rife, according to a top police officer.

Chief Supt Paul Wells, Essex Police’s lead for their specialist drug action group Operation Raptor, said the process of stopping people moving across county lines from places like London and Merseyside is one of the biggest challenges facing his team.

A group of eight men – known as the Jay Boys – are set to be sentenced next week for their part in a conspiracy to sell heroin and crack cocaine.

Seven of the group took over the eighth’s house in Clacton and used it for cuckooing – a term where dealers invade a person’s house by using violence or the promise of free Class A drugs – and then use it as a base.

The group were convicted at Chelmsford Crown Court last month and Mr Wells said he is hoping their jail terms will deter others from taking on the lifestyle.

He said: “It is happening across Essex – we know it is affecting people across the county.

“Drug dealing does not stop on county borders – these people will go wherever there is a market for it.

“Cuckooing is one way they will set up but it is not the only way.

“Each area has a slightly different modus operandi but in other areas we have seen drugs dropped off in taxis and hire cars.

“It is whatever works for that particular area is what they will try to do.

“I hope seeing the Jay Boys brought to justice will be a deterrent to other people who are looking at getting involved in street gangs.

“This is a fantastic result for Operation Raptor and shows just how hard the team have worked.

“But we know it will continue as long as there is money to be made.”

Mr Wells said Essex Police alone would not be able to stop people moving from large cities to deal – a process known as county lines.

He said: “County lines cannot be solved by Essex Police.

“We will have to work with other forces and our other partners which we have in the community.

“There has to be education for people who might be tempted to join a gang.

“It is not a glamorous or attractive way of life.

“If you get involved in a gang then you are disposable.

“When you are no longer useful to them then you will be disposed of just like that.”

He added: “Unfortunately we know it is a growing problem in Essex.

“They are targeting young people and the vulnerable and bringing unacceptable levels of violence with them.

“Often you will find they would be at risk if they started to deal drugs on existing gang patches in London, but in Essex they do not see that yet.”