FIVE men were due to appear in court today (Thursday, 6 October) charged with conspiracy to supply Class A drugs and money laundering offences.

 The five were arrested yesterday after officers from Essex Police Serious and Organised Crime Unit executed 11 warrants in properties across south and west Essex and in Kent. Properties in Corringham and Stanford-le-Hope were among those raided.

All are charged with conspiring to supply Class A drugs and possession of criminal property (Enter into / concerned in acquisition / retention / use or control criminal property) and will appear at Southend-on-Sea Magistrates' Court. They are:

 Paul Austin, 46, of Burnt Mills Road, Basildon

Teresa Kelly, 49, of Chalk End, Basildon

Wesley Nice, 44, of Broomfields, Basildon, 

Lee Mallin, 41, of Oak Road, Grays

Darren Wittridge, 44, of Long Riding, Basildon