Seven held after drugs and firearms raids across Brighton and Hove

Seven people have been arrested after a series of drugs and firearms raids across Brighton and Hove, Sussex Police said today (Friday 16 December).

The force said: “Detectives have disrupted a group suspected of organised drug dealing and firearms distribution in Brighton and Hove.

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“On the afternoon and evening of Thursday (15 December) a joint operation involving more than 130 police officers and staff, South East Regional Organised Crime Unit (SEROCU) and Sussex Police executed search warrants at five addresses in the city, making seven arrests and seizing drugs at four of the addresses.

“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.

“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.

“Those arrested are currently in custody for interview and further inquiries.

“The four men arrested for immigration offences are suspected of being illegally in this country.

Sussex Police released a video of the police operation, including the briefing beforehand and the execution of the warrant at the flat in central Brighton.

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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.”

Detective Chief Inspector Alisdair Henry, from the regional crime squad, 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.”