A man has been charged with dealing Class A drugs after police raids across the UK.

Lindsipho Mtyanda, 31, of Lower Mardyke Avenue, Rainham, was arrested on September 15 following a Essex Police investigation into “high harm crimes” including drug supply in south Essex.

Officers raided addresses in St Osyth, Maldon, Basildon and Wickford on Friday, September 15 in an operation that included more than 40 colleagues across the force.

They charged five people, three men and two women, after issuing six warrants across the country.

During these searches, “a number of significant items” were reportedly seized.

Mtyanda was charged with conspiracy to supply a controlled drug and possession with intent to supply Class A drugs.

He and four others appeared at the Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court last weekend.

Sergeant Adam Jarvis said that officers have “worked tirelessly” over eight months on intelligence leading to the raids.

He said: "We are determined to drive down drug supply across south Essex and ensure our communities remain safe and those who are intent on committing crime are dealt with robustly."