Proactive Firearms Patrols in Brighton and Hove Lead to Multiple Convictions

A series of proactive patrols by Sussex Police’s Tactical Firearms Unit (TFU) have resulted in several convictions following vehicle pursuits and drugs-related arrests across Brighton and Hove. On 31 August, TFU officers in an unmarked car spotted a vehicle suspected of being linked to drugs supply in Lansdowne Road, Hove.When signalled to stop, the driver […]

A series of proactive patrols by Sussex Police’s Tactical Firearms Unit (TFU) have resulted in several convictions following vehicle pursuits and drugs-related arrests across Brighton and Hove.

On 31 August, TFU officers in an unmarked car spotted a vehicle suspected of being linked to drugs supply in Lansdowne Road, Hove.
When signalled to stop, the driver fled the scene — but officers quickly boxed in the vehicle after a short pursuit ending in nearby Eaton Road.

The driver, Ramin Qadir, 25, of no fixed address, was arrested and charged with dangerous driving, driving without insurance, and driving without a licence.
He pleaded guilty to all charges at Brighton Magistrates’ Court on 18 September, receiving a 12-month community order, a 12-month driving ban, and 200 hours of unpaid work.

On 30 August, officers stopped another vehicle in Holland Road, Hove, recovering cash and drugs.
Rei Fera, 22, of no fixed address, was arrested and charged with possession of Class A drugs (20 wraps of cocaine) and possession of criminal property (£1,000 cash).
He admitted both offences and was sentenced to 16 months in prison at Lewes Crown Court on 30 September.

A further incident on 12 September saw officers pursue a car to The Causeway, Brighton, where passenger Naser Bici, 21, of no fixed address, was found with cash and cocaine.
Bici pleaded guilty to possession with intent to supply Class A drugs and was jailed for 16 months at Lewes Crown Court on 13 October.

On 19 September, TFU officers pulled over a moped linked to drug supply in Clifton Street, Brighton.
The rider, Rafael Junior Andrade Ferreira, 31, was arrested for disqualified driving, driving without insurance, and possession of Class B drugs (ketamine and cannabis).
He pleaded guilty but failed to attend Brighton Magistrates’ Court on 30 September, and a warrant is now out for his arrest.

Inspector Rob Hart, of the Sussex Police TFU, said:

“These outcomes are the result of proactive patrols by our officers to protect the public and bring offenders to justice.
A common misconception is that TFU officers only respond to firearms incidents — but we’re trained to handle a wide range of situations including assaults, public order and road traffic incidents.
We can’t be everywhere all the time, but we could be anywhere at any time.”