POLICE have seized a suspected kilo of cocaine and £24,000 in cash during a series of raids in south Essex.

Four men were arrested during the warrants executed in Laindon, Langdon Hills and Canvey Island on Saturday morning.

The men, aged 28, 32, 33 and 49, were arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of a controlled drug. They remain in custody.

During the raids, officers seized a kilo of cocaine and £24,000 in cash from the properties.

Echo: Seized - a kilo of suspected cocaine was also found by officersSeized - a kilo of suspected cocaine was also found by officers (Image: Essex Police)

Three of the men have now been charged by Essex Police.

Richard Gill, 49, of Jefferson Avenue, Laindon, 33 year-old Jay Pattinson, of Third Walk, Canvey Island, and Karl McKay, 32, of Tower Avenue, Laindon, have all been charged with conspiracy to supply a Class A drug.

They are due to appear at Southend Magistrates’ Court tomorrow (Monday).

The 28-year-old man who was arrested has been released under investigation.

Echo: Cash - officers seized £24,000 in cash during a series of raids in south EssexCash - officers seized £24,000 in cash during a series of raids in south Essex (Image: Essex Police)

Sergeant Adam Jarvis said: “This was a successful operation as part of an ongoing investigation into the sale of Class A drugs in the south of the county.

“Our investigation doesn’t end with these warrants though and we will continue to carry out inquiries.

“We are committed to tackling the sale of drugs, and the violence that accompanies, wherever it appears in Essex.”