Two arrested as officers seize £40,000 and illicit drugs
Two men have been arrested as a result of proactive vehicle stops by officers from Essex Police Operational Support Group
Last updated 30th Dec 2023
Two men have been arrested as a result of proactive vehicle stops by officers from Essex Police Operational Support Group.
These two arrests have led officers "to seize more than £40,000 in cash" as well as a "significant amount of what is believed to be Class A and Class B drugs" as well as various electronic items.
Officers stopped an Audi as part of a routine traffic stop. The car was being driven by a man at Sadlers Farm roundabout shortly after 8.15 pm (Friday 29 December).
Officers then had "further cause to search the car" as a result of the engagement, leading them to locate "more than £11,000 in cash as well as multiple mobile phones."
"The driver, a 31-year-old man from Tilbury, was arrested on suspicion of drug driving and money laundering."
"During a further search of the man’s home, officers also found a total of £33,890 in cash, which was also seized."
He man remains in custody for questioning.
Officers became suspicious of a white Honda moped travelling into Canvey Island shortly after 1 am on Saturday 20 December.
They stopped the vehicle outside Canvey Golf Club and conducted a search, finding what they believe to be Class B drugs.
Whilst in custody, officer searched further, uncovering cash and what they believe to be Class A drugs and "a mobile phone of interest."
"A 24-year-old man from Southend was arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply Class A drugs and drug driving."
He remains in custody for questioning.
Chief Inspector Richard Baxter, who leads the Operational Support Group (OSG), said:
“Each night, officers from OSG are on duty across the county to target people who we believe are causing harm to our communities.
“These examples show the extent officers will go to in order to keep the public safe whilst the rest of are safely tucked up in bed.
“Both men remain in custody today as investigations progress.”