In the space of two days police have made two arrests where substantial quantities of drugs were found, which come as part of their recent crack down on drug use on St James’ street.
During the first arrest, which took place on Sunday 3rd June, a 24 year old man was detained on suspicion of intent to supply Class A drugs, after nearby police officers spotted him acting suspiciously in the area. Upon searching him they found £400 cash and 23 zip lock bags of heroin.
A later search of his property found over £6,000 in cash and drug paraphernalia. The man was subsequently arrested on suspicion of supplying Class A drugs, money laundering and fraud by false representation, and was released on bail until July 28th.
The second arrest that took place on Monday 4th June took place as a result of members of the public alerting a nearby Police Community Support Officer after witnessing a drug deal taking place. The PCSO was able to follow the alleged dealer, and alert officers who arrested the 19 year old from London.
According to police, he was found with “63 ‘shots’ of crack cocaine’ in his possession, and was therefore arrested on suspicion of intent to supply cocaine.
Since St James’ Street residents and traders have raised their concerns about the issue of drug use and dealing in the area, police have pledged to crack down on the issue.
Chief Inspector Rachel Swinney, who heads prevention and operation for the division has said: “I am absolutely committed to working with residents and businesses in the St James’ Street area of the city.
“Our local prevention teams have been active in this area with focused patrols and we have been taking a robust approach to criminal activity […] It is vitally important that we provide a proportionate service to the residents of Brighton and Hove and we will take every opportunity to ensure that we have that visible presence where it’s needed.”
The police advise anyone who witnesses drug taking or dealing to contact them on 101.
