A FAMILY-OF-FIVE were arrested on suspicion of possessing cannabis during a drugs bust.

A couple, their daughter and two grandsons were taken away by police from a house in Swanstead, Vange.

Officers arrested a 60-year-old woman, a 61-year-old man, a 34-year-old woman, and boys aged 18 and 15.

The 60-year-old woman was later cautioned and released, but the rest of the family were kept in custody for questioning.

A total of eight people were arrested by a team of officers who conducted a series of raids yesterday. Officers from the Pitsea neighbourhood policing team, Pitsea CID and the Basildon and Thurrock tactical team swooped on three homes.

Officers smashed the doors of all three properties in Swanstead, Glenmere and The Slades.

At the house in Glenmere, police found black bags believed to be full of dried cannabis.

During a search, they also recovered paraphernalia used to cultivate the drug including hydroponic lamps. They arrested a 45-year-old man on suspicion of possessing a controlled drug with intent to supply.

Officers also arrested a 19-year-old girl at the house on suspicion of possessing drugs. She was later released on bail.

At The Slades, police searched the house and recovered a haul of what is believed to be Ecstasy tablets.

They arrested a 45-year-old man on possession of a controlled drug with intent to supply. He was later released on bail.

Five of the eight people arrested remained in custody at Basildon police station where they are being questioned.