Drugs crack down leads to series of arrests in build up to V Festival

AN operation to crack down on drugs ahead of the V Festival has led to series of police raids.

Officers carried out the warrants in Tilbury, Canvey, and Brentwood on Wednesday (August 14) as part of a clampdown ahead of the two-day festival at Hylands Park, Chelmsford.

They were backed by a team of sniffer dogs, who searched undergrowth and tight spaces for drugs which might otherwise be missed in a conventional search.

During a warrant in Park Road, Canvey, one of the dogs found bags of cannabis in a vent in the bedroom.

A 33-year-old man from Canvey was subsequently arrested on suspicion of possession of cannabis with intent to supply and bailed until October 9 pending further enquiries.

Officers carried out a further warrant in Adelaide Road, Tilbury, under the Misuse of Drugs Act.

Graham MacCallam, a 30-year-old unemployed man, of Adelaide Road, Tilbury, was subsequently charged with possession of cannabis and bailed to appear before Basildon Magistrates Court on September 5.

Another warrant was carried out in Whittingham Road, Hutton. Mark Wallace,a 53-year-old unemployed man, of Whittingham Road, Hutton, was subsequently charged with possession of cannabis with intent to supply and was due to appear before Basildon Magistrates Court yesterday (Thursday August 15).

The operation was part of efforts to make the festival, to be held on Saturday August 17 and Sunday August 18, safe and enjoyable for all.