Police in Worthing have made six arrests for multiple offences and seized knives, cash and drugs following an operation to tackle drug dealing in the town.
Their focus was on residents at risk of cuckooing by gangs from London who take over the home of a vulnerable person and use it as a base for dealing over county lines.
Four people were given safeguarding support, following the operation.
Three knives were seized along with £2,000 in cash and large amounts of class A drugs.
District Commander Chief Inspector Sarah Leadbeatter said:
“In the last month, Worthing Neighbourhood Policing team has carried out proactive work in the area to tackle county lines drug dealing.
“This work has led to several arrests for drug dealing and related offences. In the process we have safeguarded four vulnerable people, and seized knives, cash and drugs.
“The arrests highlight the dedicated work of our team to protect our communities from drugs and the crime associated with it.
”Among those arrested was a 36-year-old woman on suspicion of aggravated burglary with intent at an address in Shelley Road.
An 18-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of a class A drug, possession of a class B drug, and acquiring, using or possessing criminal property on August 3 in Littlehampton Road, Salvington, following police concerns about cuckooing.
The next day officers attended another address in Littlehampton Road where a 46-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of possessing a class A drug with intent to supply.
A 41-year-old woman was also arrested for being concerned in the supply of a class A drug.
Then on August 13 officers attended an address in Cortis Avenue, Broadwater.
An 18-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of possessing crack cocaine with intent to supply and possession of a class B drug.
A 36-year-old man was also arrested on suspicion of common assault.They were all released under investigation.
Other suspects who were arrested faced no further action."
Chief Insp Leadbeatter added:
“If you have concerns about drug dealing in your area, report it to us online here or call 101. Alternatively call CrimeStoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.”
Sussex Officer Sacked After Inappropriate Sexual Acts And Comments Made
Two Charged In High Value Alcohol Thefts Across Sussex
Unhappy Meal: Hove Residents Protest Against McDonald's Plan
Owner Defends Practices At Brighton Sex Entertainment Venue
Eastbourne Man Jailed For Controlling And Assaulting Woman
Officers Release New Images Following Chichester Assault
Sussex Apprentices Share Experiences During National Apprenticeship Week
Appeal After Repeated Criminal Damage At Crawley Address
Former Hove Scout Leader Jailed For Dozens Of Child Sex Offences
Men Found Not Guilty Of Rape In Eastbourne