Five people have been arrested during a warrant executed as part of ongoing work to tackle drug dealing and the violence and exploitation which is linked to it.

The warrant was carried out under Operation Sceptre, as part of day-to-day work to keep people safe.

Officers patrolling Basildon arrested three people on suspicion of drugs offences on the evening of Tuesday, January 21.

A 23-year-old man from Leytonstone was arrested off Whitmore Way on suspicion of being concerned in supplying controlled drugs.

A 21-year-old woman from Basildon and a 16-year-old boy from Eastbourne were arrested at an address in Maplestead.

The woman was arrested on suspicion of being concerned in supplying controlled drugs.

The boy was arrested on suspicion of the same offence, as well as possession of drugs and assault.

All three have been released on bail until Friday, February 7 while we continue our enquiries.

Officers then went to an address in Bockingham Green, Basildon at around 10.45am on Thursday, January 23.

After they forced entry to the property they found and seized an amount of suspected Class A drugs as well items including a sword, an axe, and an extendable baton.

East London and West Essex Guardian Series:

After they forced entry to the property they found and seized an amount of suspected Class A drugs as well items including a sword, an axe, and an extendable baton.

Police Dog Ralph uncovers large sums of money during the drug warrant in Basildon

Police Dog Ralph then also sniffed out a large amount of cash.

Two women, aged 25 and 42, and three men aged 25, 29, and 41 have all been arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply Class A drugs.

They have all since been released under investigation apart from the 41 year-old man who has been released on bail until Friday, February 14.

Superintendent Bonnie Moore said: “This warrant highlights the work we carry out day in, day out to tackle those selling drugs.

“Those involved in the supply of drugs are part of a chain which sees people exploited and living in fear.

“Tackling violence and protecting vulnerable people are our highest priorities and we’ll do everything we can to keep people safe from harm.

“Information from you can be crucial to help us identify those dealing drugs and build cases against them.

“If you believe someone is being exploited or is selling drugs in your community, I need you to tell us so we can protect the vulnerable and tackle the offenders.”

If you have any information about the sale of drugs please calLon 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.