A new police squad has made nine arrests in the past week as officers investigated suspected drug dealing and a robbery.
The Tactical Enforcement Unit, which started work last month, arrested a man and a woman after obtaining a drugs warrant to enter a flat in Donald Hall Road, Brighton.
Sussex Police said: “A 41-year-old man and a 26-year-old woman were detained for being concerned in the supply of class A drugs.
“A small amount of class A drugs were found in the property during a search.”
The two people who were arrested were later released under investigation.
Sussex Police said that the unit also had a warrant to search for drugs at an address in Church Road, Hove.
The force said that this was linked to a man who suspected of drug dealing after he was spotted by officers from the Brighton and Hove Community Investigation Team, adding: “A man and a woman were arrested at the address.
“Hamse Musa, 23, of Purdy Street, London, was later charged with conspiracy to supply crack cocaine and heroin.
“He appeared at Brighton Magistrates’ Court on (Thursday) 9 January and was remanded in custody to appear at crown court on (Thursday) 6 February.
“A woman aged 23 was arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply cannabis, conspiracy to supply crack cocaine and heroin and money laundering.
“She was released under investigation.
“Police received a report of a break in which was in progress at a property at Tavistock Down, Brighton.
“Four suspects who matched the description provided and were near by were located by the unit and arrested.
“Two men, aged 18 and 20, and two boys, aged 16 and 17, were detained on suspicion of burglary and being concerned in the supply of cannabis.
“They were later released on bail until (Wednesday) 5 February.
“Officers in the unit also protected two people from being ‘cuckooed’ by a suspected drug dealer at an address in Brighton.
“They also arrested a 44-year-old man on suspicion of robbery at the Paddy Power betting shop in George Street, Hove, on (Monday) 9 December.”
Inspector Dan Hiles, who is leading the unit, said: “The team has had another busy week arresting suspected drug dealers and burglars, protecting vulnerable victims and others suspected of being involved in serious crimes.”
Sussex police and crime commissioner Katy Bourne said: “We have cemented our commitment in Sussex to be even more proactive and disruptive towards prolific criminals.
“This team is a great example of how smarter tougher policing works.
“Sussex is fast becoming a hostile environment for those seeking to break the law and these results should act as a warning for anyone who wishes to exploit or endanger our residents.”
