GUN CITY: 4 Albanians charged after separate cocaine seizures 2 miles apart in London over 2 days

TWO Albanian men have been charged after a loaded gun (pictured above), ammunition, and £60,000 in cash and cocaine was seized at a London flat.

Specialist police raided the home on Claremont Road, Brent Cross, north west London, yesterday, May 7, they seized over 100 wraps of cocaine, scales and other drug dealing paraphernalia, along with the £60,000 of suspected criminal cash. Officers from the Organised Crime Partnership – a joint National Crime Agency (NCA) and Metropolitan Police unit carried out the raid.

During the search officers found the gun, a Retay 17 self-loading pistol, hidden in a laundry basket with three rounds of ammunition loaded in the magazine.

A further four rounds of ammunition were also recovered.

Errison Hasaj, 21, and Bledar Kuraj, 23, both Albanian nationals, were arrested and charged with possession of a firearm and ammunition, possession with intent to supply cocaine and possession of criminal property. They appeared at Willesden Magistrates Court today, May 8, and were both remanded in custody to appear at Harrow Crown Court next month. Matt McMillan, from the Organised Crime Partnership, said: “This operation illustrates the point that drugs and violence are intrinsically linked. “The fact that the firearm seized was viable and ready loaded meant it presented a significant danger to the public, which has now been mitigated. “Through this partnership, the NCA and the Met remain committed to stemming the supply of illegal drugs and firearms into London, and protecting the public from harm.”

Two men were arrested a day earlier less than two miles away in Colindale, west London, when over 80kgs of cocaine was seized following a proactive operation in Colindale.

On Thursday, May 6, officers from Met Police Specialist Crime carried out the operation in Arctic House, Colindale.

On searching the address they found 80kgs of cocaine (pictured above) and around £400,000 in cash.

Detective Inspector Stephen Masterson from Specialist Crime said: “This is a significant seizure of class A drugs and cash. These drugs would have undoubtedly found its way into the communities of London fuelling the acquisitive crime and drug related violence which sadly goes hand in hand with this serious and organised criminality.

"Those involved in such activity should be aware that the Metropolitan Police will work tirelessly to protect the communities of London and ensure those involved in this insidious business face justice.”

Albanians Arjel Selfo, 41, and Ardit Saraseli, 29, both of Arctic House, were charged on Friday with conspiracy to supply Class A drugs and possession of criminal property.

Saraseli appeared at Willesden Magistrates’ Court today and was remanded in custody to appear at Harrow Crown Court next month.

Selfo is due to appear at the magistrates' court next week.