TWO men have been charged with drug offences after police stopped a van carrying an estimated £1million of cannabis in south Essex.
Officers carried out a routine stop check on a Transit van at Ockendon Road, North Ockendon at about 12.30pm on Monday May 20.
A crate containing nearly half a ton of cannabis resin, with an estimated street value of £1million, was found in the back of the vehicle.
Other drugs, including a large quantity of amphetamine with an estimated value of £300,000, were seized following searches in east London.
James Bailey, 37, a taxi driver, from Henshawe Road, Dagenham, was charged with possessing cannabis with intent to supply, possessing amphetamine with intent to supply and producing a controlled drug.
Andrew Fraser, 49, a plumber, of Green Lane, Ilford, was charged with two counts of possessing cannabis with intent to supply.
They were remanded in police custody to appear at Basildon Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday May 21 and further remanded in custody to appear at Basildon Crown Court on July 28.