Up to 4,500 people in Southend could be using hard drugs, police said today.
Message - artists Lisa Temple-Cox and Mary Shillaker draw support in the anti-drugs campaign Picture: ROBIN WOOSEY
The figures were revealed as a countywide operation was launched by Essex Police and Crimestoppers to warn youngsters about the dangers of crack cocaine.
London markets are now saturated and police fear Essex, where crack first appeared about three years ago, could become the next major target for dealers.
Det Insp Joe Roche, of Southend Police, said: "Crack is everywhere. Every town has its dealers.
"Last year the Taylor Centre, in Queensway, Southend, was treating 1,200 to 1,500 class A drug users. They were the ones they knew of.
"The actual numbers of users could be double or treble that. There could be 4,500 in Southend on hard drugs."
Crimestoppers' Essex chairman, David Bright, urged people to rid the streets of dealers. Crimestoppers is on 0800 555 111.
Published Thursday May 27, 2004
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