ESSEX Police have confirmed some details of a major early morning series of raids on premises across South Essex – which included the Crooked Billet pub in Stanford-le-Hope and a property on Goldsmiths Avenue in Corringham.

A statement from the force says that following the raids, which also took place at properties in Basildon and in West Essex and Kent, five people have been arrested as part of an in-depth investigation into the supply of Class A drugs.

A statement from the force says: "Officers from the force's Serious and Organised Crime Unit launched an intelligence-led investigation in 2020 after EncroChat mobile devices which were unlocked by law enforcement agencies in Europe. 

"As a result of that investigation, officers from the crime unit and the force operational support group executed 11 warrants this morning in properties across south and west Essex and in Kent. 

"Officers searching the properties have seized a number of items, including cash and a number of items of value.

"Our searches will continue throughout the day. 

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

Police smash their way into a property this morning.

Detective Inspector Yoni Adler, of the 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.

"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." 

The Crooked Billet pub has remained closed today. a statement from its operators this morning said: "We experienced a situation throughout the night at The Crooked Billet meaning the pub will be closed today.

"However, it looks like we are going to be okay as a business and we will be reopening our doors tomorrow."

The spokesperson added that the pub wished to say the premises were searched based on a suspicion and that nothing untoward was found on the premises.