FIVE people have been arrested following a series of warrants in Harlow and Waltham Cross in Hertfordshire.

A spokesperson said: “Officers from our Proactive Money Laundering Team with assistance from teams including the Operational Support Group and the Economic Crime Team entered six properties in a series of co-ordinated raids this morning, Wednesday 26 March, to execute search warrants as part of an investigation into money laundering and drugs supply. 

During searches of the properties, officers seized suspected Class A and Class B drugs, cash and mobile phones.

A 41-year-old man and a 39-year-old woman were arrested in the Shambrook Road area of Waltham Cross on suspicion of money laundering.

A 41-year-old man and a 36-year-old man were arrested at a premises in South Road, Harlow, on suspicion of possession of drugs with intent to supply.

And a 45-year-old man was arrested in the Church Langley area of Harlow on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of drugs.

“Our enquiries are ongoing”.

Detective Sergeant Mike Monkton, of the Proactive Money Laundering Team, said:

“Drugs are often associated with violence and other serious crimes, which cause harm to vulnerable people and the neighbourhoods they live in. 

“The proceeds generated from this type of crime are converted into assets which appear to have a legitimate origin so that they can be retained permanently or recycled into further criminal enterprises.  

“We focus on identifying, investigating and tackling these crimes but we need information from the public to help us do so.

“Please tell us what you know about criminal activity and anti-social behaviour in your area. Car number plates, names, CCTV and doorbell images are particularly helpful but any information related to crime and criminal activity may be useful to us.

“Please don’t assume we already know.”