A man from Watford has been arrested in connection with a major crackdown on drug supply in a neighbouring county.

In April alone, more than 70 kilograms of Class A drugs worth approximately £3 million and seven firearms have been seized in Bedfordshire by the Eastern Region Special Operations Unit (ERSOU).

The series of operations is aiming to tackle serious and organised crime in the region.

In April, ERSOU says 70 kilograms of Class drugs and a firearm were seized during three vehicle stops in Bedfordshire.

On April 8, police stopped a vehicle in Connaught Road, Luton. Approximately 10 kilograms of what is believed to be heroin was found in the vehicle.

A subsequent search of a property in Luton following the stop resulted in the seizure of more than 40 kilograms of Class A drugs and a significant quantity of steroids, ERSOU said.

A 30-year-old man from Luton has been charged with possession with intent to supply Class A drugs. He has been remanded in custody.

On April 20, armed police stopped a vehicle on the M1 near Luton Airport.

The vehicle was searched and a handgun was seized. The driver of the vehicle was arrested but has since been bailed.

On April 22, a van was stopped on the M1 on the Hertfordshire Bedfordshire border and 20 kilograms of cocaine was found.

A 33-year-old man, from Luton, has been charged with possession with intent to supply Class A drugs. He has been remanded in custody.

ERSOU added that six guns, ammunition, and approximately three kilograms of Class A drugs was found during a search in Avondale Road, Luton on April 30.

A 36-year-old man was arrested on suspicion firearms offences and possession with intent to supply Class A drugs.

Bedfordshire Police, Hertfordshire Constabulary, ERSOU and the Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, and Hertfordshire armed policing unit, teamed up on April 30 to carry out three raids - two in Luton and one in Watford.

A 20-year-old man was arrested at a property in Griffin Court, Luton, a 32-year-old man was arrested in Kenilworth Road, Luton, and a 31-year-old man was arrested in Princes Avenue, Watford.

Watford Observer:

Detective Chief Inspector Trevor Davidson, from ERSOU, said: "Unfortunately serious and organised crime hasn’t stopped as a result of the coronavirus lockdown, so it’s important that we don’t stop either.

"The significant discovery of six dangerous weapons this morning shows just how vital our work is at this time and we’re committed to continuing to keep people safe by tackling those crimes which cause some of the most serious harm."