Police used a chainsaw and battering ram in dramatic dawn raids at 11 homes in a drugs probe.

Officers searched the homes this morning at locations including, Burnt Mills Road, Long Riding, Chalk End, and Broomfields in Basildon and Goldsmiths Avenue in Corringham.

Officers searching the properties have seized a number of items, including cash and a number of items of value and the searches will continue throughout the day. 

All those arrested remain in custody being questioned on suspicion of drug and money laundering offences. 

Echo: Raid - An officer cutting into a homeRaid - An officer cutting into a home (Image: essex police)

Detective Inspector Yoni Adler, of our Serious and Organised Crime Unit, is leading the investigation.

He said: “As part of an ongoing investigation into the supply of Class A drugs into Essex, this morning we have executed 11 warrants and arrested five people. 

“This is a co-ordinated strike against supply lines in Essex and is the culmination of a detailed and in-depth investigation.

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“The role of the serious and organised crime unit is to identify supply lines and investigate those we believe to be involved in them. 

“Drugs are a poison on our society and those responsible for their supply prey on most vulnerable in our society. We exist to stop that.” 

Chief Constable Ben-Julian Harrington said: “At Essex Police we catch criminals and we keep people safe, it's as simple as that and that's what this morning's work shows.

Echo: essex policeessex police (Image: Essex Police)

“In the last week, we have also charged suspects with a burglary in Colchester, and also the attempted theft of cars on the A127 within 24 hours of the original incident taking place.

“We have also secured charges in investigations into the sale of Class A drugs in Southend and the theft of cabling worth £1 million pounds.

“In Essex, British policing is alive and well and it's what the people who work in our team are proud to deliver, day and night."

fficers searching the properties have seized a number of items, including cash and a number of items of value and the searches will continue throughout the day.

All those arrested remain in custody being questioned on suspicion of drug and money laundering offences.