ARUN District Police have launched a co-ordinated effort to target drug dealers in the Littlehampton area today (Tuesday, April 24).
Six search warrants were executed simultaneously at addresses in the town with the support of more than 50 officers from across various teams within West Sussex Division.
As a result eight local people, three women aged 25, 34 and 50 and five men aged 14, 16, 18, 20 and 50, have been arrested for drug-related crime and are being interviewed.
A quantity of suspected Class A and Class B drugs has been recovered and a cannabis production site has been dismantled. Officers have also removed suspected stolen property.
Police said they hope the action against those people believed to be responsible for possessing and supplying drugs within the town will send a clear message to drug dealers.
Insp Nick Bowman said: “We will not tolerate the cultivation, supply and distribution of illegal drugs in this area. If you choose to make life a misery for those who you are dealing to then we will catch up with you. We will use every available opportunity to target you and to make your life as uncomfortable as possible. If you deal drugs in this area you can expect to be arrested, prosecuted and ultimately imprisoned.
“When people become addicted to drugs and in particular hard drugs the affects on the those individuals is evident very quickly. People who become drug dependant will almost always have to turn to crime to fund their addiction and so the social impact is far reaching.
“In addition to the arrest and search phase we will have local officers conducting house to house enquiries in all of the areas affected to ensure that we fully understand the impact that this criminal activity has had on local people
“I am particularly keen to establish if people’s lives are indirectly affected by drug dealing? If you are prevented from going about your normal routine and you have information that would support our case I would urge you to contact us on 101 or anonymously via the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
“Please stand up for your local community, our residents and our children. If you have information relating to drugs supply tell us and we will act.”
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