Almost 200kg of drugs have been seized during County Lines Intensification Week

Nearly 200 kilograms of illegal drugs were seized and 65 arrests made across Sussex during a week-long police crackdown on county lines drug operations. The coordinated effort, known as County Lines Intensification Week, saw officers from Sussex Police working with British Transport Police and other partners to disrupt drug supply networks, seize illicit items, and […]

Nearly 200 kilograms of illegal drugs were seized and 65 arrests made across Sussex during a week-long police crackdown on county lines drug operations. The coordinated effort, known as County Lines Intensification Week, saw officers from Sussex Police working with British Transport Police and other partners to disrupt drug supply networks, seize illicit items, and safeguard vulnerable individuals being exploited by organised crime.

On 24 June, a significant operation took place at a property on Old London Road in Hastings, where police executed a search warrant. Five men were arrested at the address. Officers recovered around £12,000 in cash, quantities of cannabis and cocaine, and several canisters of nitrous oxide. Among those arrested was a 21-year-old man from Hastings on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of Class A and B drugs and possession with intent to supply a Class C drug. A second 21-year-old from Hastings was also arrested on suspicion of involvement in the supply of Class A, B and C drugs. A 26-year-old man, also from Hastings, was arrested for similar offences. In addition, an 18-year-old from Reading and a 27-year-old from Hastings were detained on suspicion of involvement in Class C drug supply. All five individuals were later released on bail while further enquiries continue.

The following day, 25 June, officers in Brighton identified a Volkswagen Passat suspected of being linked to drug dealing. After the vehicle was seen in Richmond Parade and Grand Parade, it was stopped on Church Street, where police carried out a search and discovered drugs and cash inside. A 22-year-old man with no fixed address was arrested at the scene on suspicion of possession with intent to supply a Class A drug and for driving without insurance. He has also been released on bail.

Throughout the week, over 110 vehicle and individual stop-and-searches were conducted across the county. Officers also collaborated with British Transport Police to target potential drug couriers using public transport. At Three Bridges station, a 26-year-old man from Thornton Heath, London, was arrested on suspicion of possessing Class A drugs. He too was released on bail while investigations continue. Weapons were recovered during several operations conducted that day.

In total, the week’s efforts led to the seizure of approximately 198 kilograms of drugs, nearly £160,000 in cash, 19 weapons, and 12 mobile phones linked to drug lines.

Detective Chief Inspector Hannah MacKay commented on the success of the week, stating that officers had made significant progress tackling county lines operations directly, and praised the persistence and dedication of teams across the force. She noted that while the intensification week had yielded impressive results, Sussex Police’s work against county lines was ongoing, with a year-round commitment to targeting those responsible and protecting those at risk.

Alongside enforcement activity, police also focused on safeguarding and raising awareness. Under the ‘Prevent, Protect, Prepare’ initiative, 127 proactive safeguarding and education operations were carried out. Officers visited schools across Sussex to speak with students about county lines and the risks of exploitation, offering opportunities for open discussion. More than 1,100 leaflets were distributed to help raise awareness of the signs of abuse and exploitation, and regular patrols took place in high-risk areas to engage with the public and businesses.

Hotels were also visited, where staff were trained to recognise signs of child criminal and sexual exploitation and encouraged to report any concerns.

Sussex Police & Crime Commissioner Katy Bourne expressed her support for the initiative, praising the determination of officers in tackling the harmful impact of county lines activity. She noted the importance of ongoing disruption efforts and commended the commitment to keeping Sussex communities safe from the influence of serious and organised crime.

The week’s operations underscored both the scope of county lines drug networks and the continuing effort required to combat them, not only through enforcement but also through community engagement and safeguarding those most vulnerable to exploitation.