RAIDS carried out by police officers across south Essex have seen a man arrested for possession of a firearm.

Taking place in the early hours of Monday morning, officers from Essex police’s Force Support Unit, Serious and Organised Crime Unit, Dog Section, and Police Search Team executed search warrants in Laindon and Westcliff.

During searches of two properties, and a car at one of the addresses, officers seized a firearm, suspected Class A drugs, and large bags of cannabis.

Several thousand pounds’ worth of cash, as well as equipment used to produce drugs were also seized.

Enquiries are ongoing after the 34-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of possession of a Section 1 firearm without a certificate.

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

A firearms amnesty – meaning people can anonymously hand over illegal firearms and ammunition – is running until Sunday, May 29.

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Police are urging people to anonymously hand in unwanted firearms, ammunition, imitation firearms and air or gas-powered weapons to the following police stations: Basildon, Braintree, Chelmsford, Clacton, Colchester, Grays, Harlow, and Southend.

During the amnesty, anyone surrendering firearms will not face prosecution for illegal possession.

The history of each weapon, however, will be checked to determine whether it has been linked to any crimes.

Crimes can be reported anonymously by contacting Crimestoppers online or by calling 0800-555-111.

Police added that information of car number plates, names, CCTV and doorbell images are particularly helpful in aiding their invsetigations.