A GANG of dealers have admitted playing a part in selling cocaine across Southend after they were arrested in dramatic raids.

All four gang members admitted conspiring to supply cocaine to drug users in Southend between December 2020 and April this year.

They appeared in court yesterday and will be sentenced “as soon as possible.”

Jason Balding, Gary Salvin, Daniel Deadman and Tony Carter were arrested by Essex Police when the force carried out dawn raids at a number of homes in Southend on April 10 this year.

Judge Andrew Hurst agreed with prosecuting barrister Adam Budworth to adjourn the sentencing hearing until all basis of pleas had been submitted by the men, due by the end of June.

Judge Hurst told the men: “We will have a view to move to sentence as soon as possible, once we work out what all your roles are.”

Specialist police officers raided ten homes in the borough, along with a property in Grays, in a crackdown on drug activity in April which saw the four arrested.

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The men were later charged and appeared at Basildon Crown Court just over four weeks after the raids happened.

All four appeared via video link from Chelmsford prison, dressed in prison issue clothing.

They remained stone-faced throughout the hearing showing no emotion, speaking only to confirm their names and their pleas.

Balding, 40, of Thames Close, Leigh, Salvin, 41, of Biggin Lane, Grays, Deadman, 32, of Sherwood Way, Southend, and Carter, 38. of Albany Avenue, Westcliff, admitted conspiring to supply cocaine between December 1, 2020, and April 11 this year.

Balding and Salvin also admitted conspiring to supply cannabis within the same period.

Deadman denied conspiring to supply, but admitted possessing cannabis. Carter will appear at court at a later date to answer the cannabis charge.

The gang are the latest in a number of dealers hauled in front of the courts this year. Call 101 with information on drug dealing.