A MAN has been charged with firearms and drugs offences following morning raids in south Essex yesterday.

Gjekson Pusi, 34, Hartington Street, Derby, was arrested by firearms officers executing a search warrant in Laindon early yesterday.

He has been charged with possession of a firearm, possession of ammunition, possession of crack cocaine and production of cannabis, as well as possession of criminal property under the Proceeds of Crime Act.

Echo: Some of the drugs seized by Essex Police during search warrants yesterdaySome of the drugs seized by Essex Police during search warrants yesterday

He was due to appear at Southend Magistrates’ Court today (May 24).

Read more >>> Man arrested for illegal possession of firearm after morning police raids in Westcliff and Laindon

Firearms officers from Essex Police Force Support Unit, together with officers from the Serious and Organised Crime Unit (SOCU), the Dog Section and police search team executed search warrants in Laindon and Westcliff yesterday morning.

Echo: Cash seized. Photo: Essex PoliceCash seized. Photo: Essex Police

During searches of two properties, and a car at one of the addresses, officers seized a firearm, suspected Class A drugs, large bags of vacuum-packed cannabis bud, several thousands of pounds in cash and drugs paraphernalia.

Detective Sergeant James Rafiq, of SOCU said yesterday: “Our main priority is keeping our communities safe from harm and tackling criminal activity in all its forms."