Two men have been charged with conspiracy to supply drugs as part of a child sexual exploitation case.

In total, four men have appeared in court charged with conspiracy to supply Methadrone, known as Dolly, as part of an investigation which has encompassed the areas of Braintree, Southend and Chelmsford.

Mohammed Rosatami, 34, and Amin Kaveh, 33 both of The Renown, Shoeburyness, Asadollah Zare, 39, and Ebrahim Zare, 41, both of Cowpar Mews, Braintree, all appeared before magistrates in Southend on Monday, April 20.

Asadollah Zare was also charged with possession of an identity document not in his name and Ebrahim was also charged with possession of cannabis.

They were remanded by the court without bail and will next appear at Southend Crown Court Court on June 29.

Two of the men were also arrested in connection with an investigation in to child sexual exploitation which has been running since 2014.

Rostami and Asadollah Zare remain on police bail pending further enquiries until June 17.

A further three persons were arrested at Southend Magistrates Court on April 20, a 33-year-old woman from Chelmsford on suspicion of money laundering, a 46-year-old from Westcliff on suspicion of supply of Class B drug and a 25-year-old man from Chelmsford on suspicion of sexual activity with a child under 16. All three have been bailed till June for further investigation.

This is a complex investigation managed by the Serious and Organised Crime Unit in Essex in connection with the supply of methadrone to young vulnerable females.

Officers are working closely with external charities and experts in supporting people in dealing with the issues raised by child sexual exploitation.

Essex Police would urge anyone who has information or has been a victim of exploitation to contact the Serious and Organised Crime Unit on Essex Police 101 quoting Operation Dryad. People can also make contact anonymously by contacting independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Anyone who would like support as a result of what they have experienced but does not wish to speak to police is urged to contact the Samaritans on 08457 90 90 90.