Drug den and cockfighting ring uncovered in Yapton

Officers stopped the 46-year-old’s van in Grevatt’s Lane, Climping, at 11am, on March 25, after checks revealed he was suspected of having withheld the fact he had a criminal conviction when he had organised his motor insurance.

When officers searched a property linked to the 46-year-old, in Cinders Lane, Yapton, they found a cannabis plant and equipment for growing cannabis as well as a number of birds that were being used for cock-fighting and a cock-fighting ring.

The birds were seized by officers from the animal charity the RSPCA.

The man, from Tangmere, was questioned on suspicion of fraud, causing an animal unnecessary suffering and cultivating cannabis before being released on bail until 30 April while officers carry out further inquiries.

He was one of six people arrested in Sussex as part of Operation Trivium, a national crackdown on foreign criminals using the roads across the UK.