POLICE seized hundreds of wraps of Class A drugs and arrested three people after officers uncovered suspected County Lines activity at a property in Eastbourne.
Sussex Police made the discovery during County Lines Intensification Week, a national operation running from 2–8 March aimed at disrupting organised drug networks and protecting vulnerable people exploited by dealers.
Officers on patrol spotted suspicious activity believed to be linked to drug supply in Marine Parade, Eastbourne. Following enquiries, they entered a premises where they recovered 252 wraps of heroin, 275 wraps of cocaine and five mobile phones.
Three people were located inside the property and arrested.
A 15-year-old boy was arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply a Class A drug. He has since been bailed while investigations continue.
Two men from Essex have since been charged in connection with the incident.
Keyshaun Francis, 19, of Grimston Road, Basildon, was arrested and later charged with two counts of possession with intent to supply a Class A drug.
Emmanuel Olaolu, 19, of Bockingham Green, Basildon, was arrested and charged with two counts of possession with intent to supply Class A drugs, being concerned in the supply of crack cocaine and heroin, and acquiring, using or possessing criminal property.
Both appeared at Eastbourne Magistrates’ Court on 7 March, where they were remanded in custody ahead of their next court hearing scheduled for 3 April.
Detective Superintendent Jon Gillings said County Lines operations cause significant harm in communities across the country.
He said: “County Lines is a type of drug dealing in which organised crime groups use phone lines to distribute and supply drugs.
“These groups exploit vulnerable and young people, grooming and coercing them as drug ‘runners’ or cuckooing vulnerable people, using their homes as a base for operations.
“The impact and harm of County Lines drug dealing is immense for the individuals being exploited and also considerable for communities across Sussex.
“As a force, we are committed to a relentless pursuit of those involved in the organised crime groups running county drug lines to bring them to justice and to tirelessly protecting and safeguarding vulnerable people and communities throughout the year.
“However, I welcome the opportunity to take part in a dedicated intensification week to laser focus our operations tackling County Lines.”
