Millions of pounds of drugs and cash have been seized in a major operation.

More than £21million worth of Class A drugs and £1.85 million in cash have been seized in Essex by our Serious Crime Directorate as part of an international operation targeting serious and organised crime.

A total of 155.5kg of Class A drugs was recovered during activity since May 1 which has also seen 13 people arrested.

During one operation, drugs and £80,000 cash were discovered.

Thomas Downman, 28 of Lettons Chase, South Woodham Ferrers, David Mifsud, 46 of Thorpendene Avenue, Hullbridge and Scott Hearn of Southerhay Basildon were charged with possession with intent of Class A drugs.

Detective Chief Inspector Lee Morton, from the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate, said: "These operations highlight our determination to disrupt serious and organised crime operating in Essex.

"In the last eight weeks we have seen some of the largest seizures of drugs and cash in the history of Essex Police and we’ve prevented a significant amount of drugs from getting into our communities.

"These results signify a substantial blow to organised crime in our county.

"Drugs cause misery in our communities and the selling of drugs is often linked to violence on our streets and the exploitation of vulnerable people.

"We will not tolerate this and will continue to disrupt the activities of those involved and work to bring them to justice.

"These operations also highlight how we are keeping you safe through excellent and effective partnership working with organisations such as the National Crime Agency, the Eastern Region Serious Operations Unit, and Border Force.”