TWO men have been arrested and weapons seized following a stop search by police in Colchester on Wednesday.

Officers approached two men in Upper Castle Park at 1.40pm after noticing a strong smell of cannabis.

The two men were arrested and cannabis, a knife and what is believed to be an imitation firearm were also seized.

The arrest forms part of a crackdown on drug dealing activity in the Colchester and Tendring areas, codenamed Operation Smuggler.

A spokesman for Essex Police said: "As part of the operation we are carrying out increased covert and high visibility patrols in both areas, targeting individuals that our intelligence suggests are involving in drug dealing activity and carrying out raids."

A 19-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply a Class B drug, possessing an offensive weapon and assault.

A 20-year-old was arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply a Class B drug.

Both remain in custody.