TWO men have been arrested and a substantial quantity of drugs found after a warrant was executed at an industrial unit in Wickford.

At 7.30am this morning, Thursday 22 June, officers from Basildon Community Policing Team entered the premises on Runwell Road on a warrant issued under Section 23 of the Misuse of Drugs Act.

They discovered 542 cannabis plants and an adjoining chop shop containing two stolen motorbikes and a stolen car. A search of the unit led to the discovery of a quantity of the Class A drug cocaine.

The men arrested remain in custody at Southend Police Station.

Sergeant Adam Jarvis led the operation. He said: "This was a significant, professional grow. Arresting the criminals behind the production and sale of illegal drugs is essential in tackling violent crime.

"The drugs we have confiscated this morning would have found their way onto the streets of Essex and the profits from them would have helped to fund more criminal activity.

"Drug dealing exploits vulnerable people and causes harm and misery in our communities. We are creating a hostile environment and dismantling the organised criminal gangs involved."

If you have any information about drug dealing or concerns about suspicious activity linked to the trade in illegal drugs, call police on 101.