AN Essex Police operation has seen imported weapons and drugs seized before they make it onto the county's streets.

Essex Police and UK Border Force have been working closely on a faster referral system for dealing with drugs, prohibited weapons and firearms components that are flown into the UK through a postal hub near Heathrow.

More than 120 parcels of weapons and drugs have been intercepted in the last nine months, and the project - called Operation Gloss - has been highlighted for praise by Home Secretary Priti Patel.

UK Border Force staff identify suspicious packages that come in via international mail and pass them to Essex Police for investigation.

Depending on the individual circumstances of each case, this results in the people buying these items being arrested or having their homes searched.

Alternatively, it may be more appropriate to resolve matters through a caution or community resolution, or referring them to a diversionary scheme. In some cases, it might mean working alongside the Essex Violence and Vulnerability Unit to safeguard people who are being exploited by criminals, to educate about knife crime, and support them to safely exit gang life or a controlling relationship.

Since the new referral system started in February, Essex Police received 123 notifications about suspicious packages. Of these, 67 contained weapons and 56 contained drugs.

Home Secretary Priti Patel said: "Knife crime and serious violence wreak havoc in our communities, which is why we are giving police forces more resources and powers to keep the public safe.

"Action like Operation Gloss, along with the wider efforts of police, Border Force and other law enforcement agencies, are vital when it comes to stopping dangerous weapons reaching our streets."

Incredible array of weapons seized so far

Weapons seized in the operation so far include flick knives, samurai swords, knuckle duster knives, daggers, CS spray, batons, stun guns disguised as mobile phones, a walking stick with a concealed knife and a bracelet with a concealed knife.

Detective Chief Inspector Lewis Basford, of the Serious Violence Unit, said: "Ultimately we're making sure these weapons and drugs don't get onto the streets of Essex.