Police Carry Out Raids In Brighton And Hastings Ahead Of Summer Period

Sussex Police, alongside officers from Merseyside Police’s Project Medusa team, have carried out a number of county line drug warrants in Brighton and Hastings.

On July 23, 24 and 25, officers carried out warrants and searches across Brighton and Hastings, aimed at disrupting the supply of illegal drugs ahead of Brighton Pride which takes place between August 3 and 4, as well as other events taking place across the busy summer period.

Merseyside’s Project Medusa team, introduced in 2019 to tackle county lines drug dealing and the criminal exploitation of young people and vulnerable adults, regularly deploy to other force areas to target criminality.

On Tuesday July 23, a warrant was executed in the Brighton area which led to the arrest of a 29-year-old man from Brighton on suspicion of dealing Class B drugs. Cannabis was also seized.

On Wednesday July 24, searches took place in the Brighton and Saltdean areas. A 36-year-old man from Brighton was arrested on suspicion of dealing Class A and Class B drugs. Officers seized mushrooms – commonly known as magic mushrooms – cannabis, cannabis edibles and cannabis vapes.

On Thursday, July 25, officers searching the Hastings area arrested a 16-year-old local boy on suspicion of dealing Class B drugs. Cannabis and vapes were seized by officers. 

All three have been released on bail, pending further investigation. 

Detective Sergeant Mark Pinder from Sussex Police said:

“This operation is very important on the lead up to a very busy summer period to ensure we disrupt county drug lines.

“The joint operation between Sussex and Merseyside’s Project Medusa team was a success.

“We take this extra step every year to ensure not only festival goers but local residents are safe from any drug crime, and this year was no different.”

Detective Sergeant Kieran Connolly from Merseyside Police said:

“This joint operation with Sussex Police resulted in three arrests and a significant amount of Class A and B drugs seized across the city ahead of Pride next weekend.

“The results from this joint operation showcase the success of working together with other forces to tackle drug supply and remove illegal drugs from circulation. 

“We are working hard alongside colleagues from other forces to take drugs off our streets. This activity forms part of Sussex’s wider operation to ensure everyone has a safe weekend celebrating Brighton Pride in our city.”