Seven arrested after drugs and firearms bust

Sussex Police said it had disrupted suspected drug and firearms distribution in Brighton and Hove, after an operation involving 130 officers last night (December 15).
Police newsPolice news
Police news

Five properties in the city were searched in the joint operation between South East Regional Organised Crime Unit (SEROCU) and Sussex Police.

Seven arrests were made, and drugs were seized at four of the addresses, police said.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

At an address in central Brighton, a 21-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to supply cocaine possession of cocaine with intent to supply, possession of a firearm - a stun gun - and immigration offences. A 19-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of possession of cocaine with intent to supply, possession of a firearm, and immigration offences.

At another address in Brighton a 47-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of possession of cocaine and cannabis.

At a flat in the city centre, just off Western Road, a quantity of cash was seized. Two men were interviewed but were not arrested.

At an address in Portslade, a 32-year-old woman was arrested on suspicion of possession of cocaine, possession of cannabis with intent to supply, and money laundering.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

At an address in Hove, a 19-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to supply cocaine, possession of an offensive weapon - a lock knife - and immigration offences. An 18-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of possession of cocaine with intent to supply, and immigration offences, and a 26-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of possession of cannabis.

Sussex Police said those arrested are currently in custody for interview and further enquiries, and the four men arrested for immigration offences are suspected of being illegally in this country.

Detective Chief Inspector Gary Pike, Head of Intelligence for Sussex Police, said: “Our colleagues in the South East Regional Organised Crime Unit have been working with us on this operation for several months and these arrests and seizures are a significant development.

“They show once again that we will take action against people suspected of trying to build organised crime networks in the city.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Detective Chief Inspector Alisdair Henry of SEROCU said: “We work closely with colleagues in forces cross the South East on operations to combat organised crime and this is the latest example, showing that the co-ordinated use of intelligence and resources can have a real impact on those who want to deal in drugs and other illegal activity.”

DCI Pike added: “This operation further highlights our current campaign to raise awareness across Sussex of the dangers of drugs dealing and misuse.

“Police social media messaging on Facebook and Twitter is signposting to local drug and alcohol diversion schemes in Sussex, inviting the public to get involved in debate and discussion with us and other agencies on the impact of drugs misuse, and including on-line graphics showing the journey drug production takes before it ends up in the hands of the user.

“Special posters and leaflets are distributed locally around the locations of drugs arrests, explaining to local residents and businesses that positive police action has been taken.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“In addition local news media and social media are being informed of this, and of cases where convicted criminals later have their profits stripped from them under proceeds of crime confiscation laws.

“Within the force, all officers and staff are receiving special briefings to enable them to support the advice and information being given to the public.

“The devastating effect of drug misuse can have a much wider impact than simply on the person who takes them. It can corrode the quality of life for local communities and effect the health of those who drawn into it.

“If you have any information or suspicions about drug dealing where you live or work, please let us know by reporting online here “