TWO men have been charged with a series of drugs offences following work by a specialist police team tackling drug gangs.

Officers from Essex Police's Operation Raptor team stopped a vehicle in Linnet Way, Purfleet on 9 June.

Thirty-one year old Frankie Tattingham, of Linnet Way, Purfleet was arrested and a five-figure sum of cash was seized. Class A drugs and a further five-figure sum of cash were found during searches of three addresses.

Tattingham has been charged with being concerned in the supply of cocaine, being concerned in the supply of cannabis, possession with intent to supply cocaine, possession with intent to supply amphetamine, acquiring, using, or possessing criminal property, and possession of a Class B drug.

He appeared at Southend Magistrates' Court on 11 June and is next due to appear at Basildon Crown Court on 9 July.

Another man was arrested following the searches of the addresses.

Stewart Pike, 49, also of Linnet Way, Purfleet, has since been charged with conspiracy to supply cocaine, possession with intent to supply cocaine, possession with intent to supply amphetamine, and possession with intent to supply cannabis.

He appeared at Chelmsford Crown Court on 12 June and is next due to appear at Basildon Crown Court on 12 July.