Essex: Two Held In Drug Trafficking Probe

14 November 2013, 11:37 | Updated: 14 November 2013, 11:40

Two men from Essex have been arrested by investigators probing cross-Channel drug trafficking and money laundering.

The pair, aged 30 and 26, were held on suspicion of conspiracy to import cocaine and amphetamine, and money laundering.

The arrests follow the detention in the past 18 months of three British men for allegedly trying to import drugs into Britain from northern France in a light aircraft.

All three are currently awaiting trial in France.

The arrests in Essex today (Thursday 14 November) took place in Rollason Way, Brentwood, and The Green, South Ockenden, following the execution of warrants by detectives and financial investigators.

The operation involved officers from the South East Regional Organised Crime Unit, helped by the National Crime Agency (NCA), Essex Police and the French Judicial Police

 Dave White, from the NCA's Border Policing Command, said: "This investigation has already led to the seizure of around 70 kilos of Class A drugs which were destined for the UK.

"Working closely with law enforcement colleagues here and in France, the NCA is determined to tackle those responsible for trafficking illegal drugs into the UK.''