FIVE people have been arrested and a significant amount of drugs, cash, and weapons have been seized following implementation of warrants in Wickford.

Operations were carried out at four addresses as part of an Essex police initiative to tackle the sale of drugs in the south of the county.

A 59 year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to supply a controlled drug, two 21 year-old men and a 24 year-old woman have been arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply a Class A drug, and a 55 year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of possession of criminal property.

They are all currently in custody.

Officers also seized 1kg of suspected Class A drugs, around £50,000 in cash, and a number of firearms.

Money that was recovered.

Detective Inspector Yoni Adler said: "These were a successful set of warrants this morning and are part of our ongoing work to tackle the sale of drugs in the county. Drugs ruin lives and destroy communities and we're working every day to stop their sale.

"If you have any information about the sale of drugs, we need you to contact us. You can let us know by submitting a report on our website or by using our online Live Chat service available Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays) between 10am-9pm.

"Visit www.essex.police.uk/digital101 to find out more about our website reporting services. Alternatively you can call us on 101.

"If you would like to make an anonymous report you can contact independent charity Crimestoppers, by visiting their website or by calling 0800 555 111."£