POLICE have seized drugs, cash and goods under the proceeds of crime act from properties during a series of dawn raids.Six search warrants were executed in St Albans during the operation this morning (Thursday), as well as a further two in Kent and Luto

POLICE have seized drugs, cash and goods under the proceeds of crime act from properties during a series of dawn raids.

Six search warrants were executed in St Albans during the operation this morning (Thursday), as well as a further two in Kent and Luton.

Among the properties raided was a house in Cell Barnes Lane and a large number of police cars and forensic teams were present throughout the day.

Business and residential properties in Dellfield, Catherine Street and Hatfield Road were also searched.

A total of two woman and six men have been arrested in the operation.

One of them was a 36-year-old man from St Albans who was arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to supply controlled drugs and money laundering under the Proceeds of Crime Act.

His BMW X5 worth £50,000 was one of four cars, a substantial quantity of cash and suspected controlled drugs seized in the raids.

Detective Inspector Peter Fulham said: "We believe that the 36-year-old man has benefited from the proceeds of crime and under powers we have been able to seize his assets, including a £50,000 BMW X5, today. POCA legislation enables us to make sure suspected criminals do not benefit from crime."

He added: "St Albans is one of the safest places in one of the safest counties to live, work and socialise with crime falling year on year. Drug dealers are not welcome here. With your help, we are working hard to reduce already low levels of drug dealing and we are committed to conducting financial investigations which allow us to seize property from drug dealers and money launderers."

A police spokesperson added: "If you suspect someone is living beyond their means, they could be benefiting from the proceeds of crime. Or if you have any information about drug dealing, where it is happening and who is involved or know anything that may help us tackle drug crime, please contact the police on 01707 806425 between 7am and 11pm or the non-emergency number on 0845 33 00 222.