A FRONT door was smashed by police during a dramatic drugs raid following a tip-off.

A team of officers forced their way into the property off Glasseys Lane, in Rayleigh, and a man and woman were arrested in connection with drugs offences.

A quantity of drugs, associated paraphernalia linked to drug cultivation, and cash was seized in the dramatic raid, police said.

Rochford community policing team announced details of the raid on Facebook and thanked residents for tipping off police officers.

A spokesman for the team said: “A quantity of drugs, associated paraphernalia linked to drug cultivation, and cash was seized.

“Every piece of intelligence we receive is assessed and recorded on our database to support warrant applications such as this.”

Council bosses praised the officers for swift action in the relentless drive against drugs offences in Essex.

Simon Wootton, Conservative leader of Rochford District Council said: “This is good news and we support any action like this by the police to enforce this and take people and drugs like this out of the community.

“This is not acceptable behaviour with possible drug dealing anywhere in our borough.

“I am pleased to hear the drugs, equipment and cash was taken off our streets.

“I think this is always shocking in a nice community and areas such as this.

“Neighbours will find it a shock to think it’s happening so close to home in the midst of a pleasant area such as this.”

A spokesman for Essex Police confirmed the raid, adding: “Officers carried out a drugs warrant at a property just off of Glasseys Lane in Rayleigh on Tuesday, December 2.

“Two people, a 31-year-old and a 26-year-old Canvey woman, were arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of a controlled drug.

“They have both since been released under investigation.

“Our enquiries are ongoing.”