Five alleged drug dealers arrested in Luton while gun seized along with stash of ecstasy

Officers carried out the warrant in Summerfield Road, acting on a tip-off about the address.

While searching the premises, officers found the gun and a silencer, along with five rounds of ammunition and a quantity of what is believed to be ecstasy

A 22-year-old man has been charged with possession of a prohibited firearm, possession of ammunition without a certificate and possession with intent to supply MDMA (ecstasy), a Class A controlled drug.

He has been remanded into custody ahead of a future court appearance.

The other four men have been released under investigation.

Sgt James West said: “We will relentlessly pursue those we suspect of being involved in organised criminal networks across Bedfordshire.

“This is the fourth firearm we have taken off the streets in a week, removing their ability to do untold damage in our communities.

“These operations have also seen us recover a significant quantity of drugs, which drives much of the serious violence, exploitation and antisocial behaviour which blights our residents.

“We know that we face a significant challenge from organised crime in Bedfordshire – but our communities should be assured that we are on the front foot in tackling it and making our county safer.”

Anyone with any information about drugs or gang activity is asked to report it online or to contact police on 101.