A suspected crystal meth drug dealing gang have been busted in a series of police raids in Brighton.
Sussex Police said this afternoon (Tuesday 12 December): “Police targeted an organised crime group who are believed to have been supplying crystal meth and other controlled drugs in Brighton and Hove for several years.
“Officers from across the force carried out warrants at addresses in Pankhurst Avenue, Tongdean Lane and New England Street and two hotels in the city centre last Tuesday (5 December).
“Five people were arrested.
“The following day, officers with the assistance of the Metropolitan Police, searched premises in Cricklewood Lane, Wilsdon Lane and Cricklewood Broadway London and three people were arrested.”
Detective Inspector Julie Wakeford, of the Brighton and Hove Community Investigation Team, said: “It is believed that this group were sourcing their supply of crystal meth in London.
“We carried out warrants over two days in both cities with the aim of disrupting their ability to supply for as long as possible.
“A taser along with thousands of pounds worth of drugs and cash was recovered over the two days.
“Crystal meth is becoming more prevalent in Brighton and Hove with police seizures of it increasing over the last year and we would urge any anyone who has information about the supply of this particularly harmful drug to contact us.”
The investigation has been called Operation Australia. Sussex Police can be contacted by phoning 101 or information can be reported online.
Alternatively, witnesses can visit the Crimestoppers website or contact the independent charity anonymously on 0800 555111.
Those held were
- A 42-year-old Brighton man who was arrested on suspicion of conspiring to supply crystal meth, being concerned in the supply of a class B drug and having cannabis.
- A 53-year-old Brighton man who was detained on suspicion of having a class A drug, conspiring to supply a class B drug and having cannabis.
- A man aged 40 from Brighton who was arrested on suspicion of conspiring to supply crystal meth.
- A 32-year-old Brighton man who was arrested on suspicion of conspiring to supply a class B drug and suspicion of conspiring to supply crystal meth.
- A 50-year-old man from Brighton who was arrested on suspicion of conspiring to supply class A and class B drugs.
- A 35-year-old woman from London who was arrested on suspicion of conspiring to supply crystal meth.
- A 41-year-old woman from London who was arrested on suspicion of conspiring to supply crystal meth.
- A 38-year-old man from London who was arrested on suspicion of having a class A drug.
Six of them have been released under investigation while the 41-year-old London woman and 50-year-old Brighton man have been released on bail until Thursday 28 December.
