AN alleged drug dealer was caught red-handed last night.

The reported dealer was caught in the act by plain clothed police officers in Southend, as part of a joint operation between British Transport Police and Essex Police's Op Raptor South operation.

20 wraps of cocaine and £250 was seized at the scene.

BTP tweeted this morning: "Drug dealers lurk in shadows trying not to be seen.

"We can do that also, but better than them.

"Joint work with Op Raptor South in Southend town last night resulted in a drug dealer being caught in the act by plain clothes officers. 2

20 wraps of cocaine & £250 seized."