Four people have been arrested as part of an investigation into a drugs line in Basildon.

Two homes in Southwark Path, Basildon, and Knollys Road, Streatham, were searched this morning when officers carried out raids.

A 19-year-old man from Streatham and a 20-year-old man from Grove Park in south east London were arrested in Basildon.

A 20-year-old man from Streatham and a 29-year-old woman from Pimlico were arrested at the Streatham address.

They remain in custody on suspicion of being concerned in supplying a controlled drug.

Evidence including mobile phones were seized during the searches.

Officers from Op Raptor South have been working with the Metropolitan Police’s Operation Orochi team to investigate the Zombie drug line.

This investigation is an example of our partnership work with the Metropolitan Police and other forces to target gangs who work across our borders, so we tackle the drugs supply chain at every level and make it even harder for them to operate.

Detective Inspector Scott Fitzmaurice, of Op Raptor South, said: “The Zombie drug line ran out of London into Basildon, dealing in crack cocaine and heroin.

“Gangs such as these exploit vulnerable people and drug addicts by taking over their homes and using them as a base from which to ply their trade.

“Every day we’re working to take drugs lines out of operation and stop them from causing harm in our communities.

“Criminals who try to fill the gap left by the drugs lines we dismantle can think again because we’re looking out for them too and they can also expect a knock on the door.”