A teenager has been charged with kidnap and modern slavery offences believed to be linked to drug dealing in a seaside town.

Eduard Cebuc, 19, of West Green Road, Tottenham, was charged after the search of a hotel room in Southend uncovered cocaine and heroin, a four-figure sum of cash and a Taser.

Officers tackling drug dealing networks in Essex have have been conducting an investigation into a drugs line bringing dangerous substances to the seaside town since January.

In May, a teenage boy was identified as being made to sell drugs against his will and had been reportedly threatened with violence, Essex Police said.

On July 28, officers arrested Cebuc on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of crack cocaine and heroin.

He was charged with kidnap, a weapons offence, possessing criminal property, being concerned in the supply of crack cocaine and heroin, possession with intent to supply crack cocaine and heroin, requiring a person to perform forced or compulsory labour, and assault occasioning actual bodily harm.

Cebuc appeared at Chelmsford Magistrates' Court on July 29 and was remanded in custody until a further hearing at Basildon Crown Court on August 28.