A Brighton woman has admitted her part in the operation of a cannabis café.
Wendy Edwards, 40, of Haybourn Road, Brighton, pleaded guilty to conspiring to supply cannabis at the start of two-week trial.
Two men were convicted at the end of the trial – Michael Allday, 44, of Leconfield Road, Lancing, and Lee Russell, 40, of Ethelwulf Road, Worthing.
Another man also admitted his role – Sebastian Flynn, 20, of Ringmer Road, Worthing.
A fifth man – Paul Bradley, 33, of Loder Gardens, Worthing – was found not guilty by a jury at Kingston Crown Court.
The charges relate to the cannabis café in Freshbrook Road, Lancing.
A Sussex Police press release said: “In January 2007 Sussex Police received reports that a light industrial unit had been purchased for the purpose of distributing and smoking cannabis.
“The premises was identified and located in Lancing, in the heart of a residential area which also contained a school.
“Over a period of several months, the community became increasingly concerned about the activities of what had become known locally as the ‘cannabis café’.
“A series of street briefings with the local community were held – instigated by the police – and a number of disruption tactics employed, including a series of search warrants.
“At the same time, an investigation was under way to establish the group of people responsible for running and profiting from the cafe.
“All five defendants were charged in October last year.”
Detective Sergeant Jason Turner, from Sussex Police, said: “This result is very satisfying for all the officers that have worked on the case that has been long and protracted.
“A full range of police tactics were deployed to disrupt and dismantle an organised crime group distributing and profiting from the sale of cannabis.
“By shutting the café the local community has been allowed to return to normality and the dealing of controlled drugs removed from their doorstep.”
Chief Inspector James Asser said: “This is an excellent outcome for the local community as a result of a partnership formed between the local community, council and our neighbourhood policing team.”
The four defendants who pleaded or were found guilt will be sentenced on 15 January 2010 at Kingston Crown Court.
