VIDEO: Seized and Stopped: Sussex Police Crack Down on Cross-County Criminals in Joint Operation

A major joint police operation last month saw Sussex officers work alongside multiple UK forces to dismantle criminal enterprises exploiting regional roadways. Leveraging cutting-edge police intelligence and technology, the initiative aimed to curb serious crimes like violent offenses, drug trafficking, and County Lines activities. ‘Seized’ Stands as the Focus of Multi-Force Operation Success From April […]

A major joint police operation last month saw Sussex officers work alongside multiple UK forces to dismantle criminal enterprises exploiting regional roadways. Leveraging cutting-edge police intelligence and technology, the initiative aimed to curb serious crimes like violent offenses, drug trafficking, and County Lines activities.

‘Seized’ Stands as the Focus of Multi-Force Operation Success

From April 23 to 25, the Specialist Enforcement Unit (SEU) participated in a coordinated action involving Thames Valley Police, the Metropolitan Police, Surrey, Essex, Bedfordshire, and British Transport Police. The result was a force-wide effort that led to 95 arrests, the seizure of 15 weapons, 38 drug confiscations, 65 vehicle seizures, and £69,000 in recovered cash.

Sussex played a significant role in the initiative, contributing to 15 of those arrests and conducting 15 vehicle stop checks, one of which resulted in a seizure. Among the suspects apprehended in Sussex were:

• A 31-year-old man arrested on suspicion of rape in West Sussex.
• A 29-year-old wanted man in Horley, detained for violating a court-imposed community order.
• Two individuals detained for immigration-related offenses.
• A Crawley man, aged 31, arrested for dangerous driving and drug-related charges.
• A 45-year-old in Worthing suspected of Class A drug distribution—officers later discovered a large stash of suspected cocaine and significant cash during a property search.

The SEU remains actively engaged on Sussex roads, targeting offenders involved in high-harm crimes such as sexual violence, robbery, and narcotics trafficking.

Inspector Ollie Pullen emphasized the power of unified law enforcement: “This operation demonstrates the strength of our intelligence sharing capabilities and what coordinated action across multiple force areas can achieve.”

He added that public reassurance and safety are at the heart of these efforts, urging residents to report suspicious activity either through 101 or anonymously via CrimeStoppers at 0800 555 111.

As police operations grow more interconnected, Sussex continues to be a pivotal player in halting those who seek to operate across county lines unchecked.