A 22-year-old man arrested by armed police near the East London border has been named as Rocco Coakley. The suspect was detained on Wednesday, April 29, in Loughton as part of an investigation into the supply of Class A drugs in Essex.
Armed Stop in Alderton Hill
Armed officers executed a coordinated stop in Alderton Hill, Loughton. A drone image released by police shows three intercepting vehicles surrounding a small silver car. Officers subsequently searched the vehicle and Coakley's home address in Clays Lane, Loughton.
Seized Items
Among the items seized were a handgun, ammunition, four blades, significant quantities of Class A drugs, cash, and several electronic devices.
Charges and Court Appearance
Coakley has been charged with possession of a firearm, ammunition, a bladed article, and criminal property, as well as being concerned in the supply of cocaine and ketamine. He appeared at Chelmsford Magistrates' Court on Thursday, April 30, and was remanded into custody until a next hearing at Chelmsford Crown Court on May 25. Three other individuals arrested in connection with the investigation have been released on conditional bail.
Police Statement
Detective Inspector Chris Rose, leading the investigation for Essex Police, said: “This is a significant step in this investigation. The arrest made on Wednesday was carried out with incredible skill and precision by our armed officers and allowed our immediate searches to be carried out safely and unimpeded. The supply of drugs in Essex will not be tolerated, and there are teams across the force which work determinedly to tackle those who we believe to be involved.”
The operation underscores the ongoing efforts by Essex Police to disrupt organised crime and drug supply networks in the region.
