An organised crime gang sold fake £50 notes to fellow crooks for as little as £12.50.

The four men also flogged counterfeit £20 bank notes for only £3.50.

During a raid to disrupt the group, police also seized a gun and a haul of drugs.

Gang ringleader Darren Watkinson, 45, from Wickford arranged the sale and buyers would pick up the cash from right hand men William Fullerton, Mario Abela and Adam Abela.

Police discovered the gang had access to cocaine and amphetamines, and some members were trying to sell a gun.

This included Barry Latif, who was arrested by armed officers with a revolver.

Watkinson admitted conspiracy to have a counterfeit note with intent, conspiracy to sell a firearm, possessing a prohibited weapon - in this case CS gas - and possessing a class A drug with intent.

He was sentenced to ten years and four months in jail.

Fullerton, 38, of Bromley, was jailed for nine years and six months for conspiracy to have a counterfeit note with intent and conspiracy to sell a firearm.

Mario Abela, 68, of Corringham, was sentenced to 15 months in prison, suspended for two years after he admitted conspiracy to have a counterfeit note with intent and possessing class A drugs.

His son, Adam Abela, 34, was jailed for four years for conspiracy to have a counterfeit note with intent and possessing class B drugs with intent.

Latif, 44, of Tower Hamlets, was sentenced to seven years in jail after being found him guilty of conspiracy to sell a firearm. He pleaded guilty to having the gun in a public place as well as also having a bladed weapon.