A MAN has been charged with supplying class A drugs and possessing weapons after an early morning raid. 

As part of an investigation targeting organised crime groups in Essex, police officers raided an address in Benfleet in the early hours yesterday.

A man in his 30s was arrested on suspicion of drugs and weapons offences, with officers seizing knives, batons, suspected class A and B drugs paraphernalia and mobile phones. 

Now, 32-year-old Topka Waiwaiku, of Starling Close in Benfleet, has been charged with being concerned in the supply of class A drugs, possession with intent to supply a class B drug and four counts of possessing an offensive weapon.

He was released under investigation having been arrested on suspicion of a firearm offence. 

Waiwaiku appeared at Southend Magistrates Court today and was remanded in custody pending a future court date.