OFFICERS from Avon and Somerset have seized £9,000 in cash and a number of high value watches as early morning search warrants were executed at properties.

The operation in Hertfordshire, Essex and London was led by Zephyr, the South West Regional Organised Crime Unit on Wednesday (August 26).

Three men aged 50, 54 and 71 were arrested on suspicion of drug and money-laundering offences and taken to the Avon and Somerset Police force area.

Detectives from Zephyr were assisted by colleagues from Essex, Hertfordshire and the Met police forces.

Search warrants were executed at addresses in Loughton, Romford and Colchester in Essex; Letchworth Garden City in Hertfordshire; and an address in the New Beckenham area of London.

Operation senior investigating officer DI Tony Hubbard said: “This is very much an on-going operation and aims to target those involved in serious and organised crime – specifically those involved in the illegal activity of the supply of drugs and money-laundering.

"We hope it will send out a strong message that this type of activity will not be tolerated and we will continue to take action to bring the suspects before the courts.”