Two men have been jailed for more than seven years in total for possessing over a kilo of drugs, cash and 22 cannabis plants.

Officers from Essex Police's Operational Support Group stopped Denis Truma on the A1013 Stanford Road heading towards Grays last year on September 23.

Following this, officers stopped Robert Golding at a nearby pub car park.

When officers searched Golding’s car, they found a carrier bag in the front footwell containing a kilo and a half block of what was later confirmed as cocaine and he was arrested on suspicion of possession of drugs with intent to supply.

During a search of Golding’s address, officers located 22 cannabis plants in an outdoor building.

Truma was arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs and officers seized two mobile phones in his possession.

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When officers searched Truma’s address, they located a large amount of cash hidden in a shoe box, estimated to be £35,000.

Denis Truma, 28, of Sewell Close, Chafford Hundred, was charged with being concerned in supplying cocaine and possession of criminal property.

Robert Golding, 45, of Orwell, East Tilbury, was charged with possession with intent to supply cocaine and being concerned in the production of cannabis.

Both admitted to all offences and the pair were sentenced on Friday, June 10 when they appeared at Basildon Crown Court.

Denis Truma was jailed for three years and ten months for being concerned in the supply of drugs and seven months, concurrent, for possession of criminal property.

Robert Golding was jailed for three years and four months for possession with intent to supply and four months, concurrent, for being concerned in the production of cannabis.

Detective Inspector Yoni Adler, Serious and Organised Crime, leading the investigation said: “This was a significant investigation that seized a very large quantity of drugs before they could reach the streets.

“Drugs are not welcome in Essex and my officers are determined to use every power available to them to put people that deal in drugs behind bars, just as they did with Truma and Golding.

“Our communities are a little safer knowing they cannot peddle their wares.”