EIGHT people were arrested on drug trafficking and money laundering offences during a series of dawn raids yesterday.

A joint Essex and Met police operation targeted nine homes in Basildon and Benfleet, as well as one in the Maldon district.

Roger Grimwade, police spokesman, said: "Five men and three women have been arrested and are in custody in police stations across the county."

Mr Grimwade said the arrests followed a major intelligence operation. The Echo understands thousands of pounds in cash was seized.

Mr Grimwade added: "The operation formed part of the police force's continuing battle against drug abuse.

"A quantity of drugs was seized during the raids, as well as varying amounts of cash."

Police refused to reveal the type of drugs involved.

Properties were raided in Clay Hill Road and Dry Street, both in Basildon, Elm Road, Steeplehall, Mariskals and Kenneth Road, in Pitsea, and New Road, Little Burstead.

They also swooped on addresses in Shipwright Drive and Philmead Road, in Benfleet, and one in Mayland Quay, Maylandsea, near Maldon.

The suspects, who were still in custody at the time of going to press, were men aged 22, 32, 35, 38 and 46, and women aged 28, 34, and 49.

It is understood arrests were not made at all of the addresses raided.