21 arrests made in Bognor drugs crackdown operation

Police have made 21 arrests in Bognor as part of a summer-long operation targeting county lines drug gangs.

Police have made 21 arrests in Bognor as part of a summer-long operation targeting county lines drug gangs.

Between June 3 and September 4, officers carried out a series of warrants at addresses across the town. They seized suspected Class A drugs, mobile phones and thousands of pounds in cash.

At least 11 drug-dealing phone lines were dismantled during the crackdown.

The “MZY” line was shut down after police entered a property in Fletcher Way on June 26, where they recovered 67 wraps of suspected Class A drugs.

Earlier in the month, a warrant in Maple Gardens led to the closure of the “Dropz” line, while in August, the “Shadow” line was shut down following a raid at Swaledale Close. Officers also seized a number of weapons there, including a samurai sword and knuckle dusters.

Other warrants were executed at an address in Glamis Street on June 19, and at two addresses in Wick on September 3.

Arun District Commander Chief Inspector William Keating-Jones said: “We understand residents’ concerns about the harm caused from drug-related crime and violence in Bognor.

“That is why we have carried out a targeted operation through the summer to shut down drug dealing lines and to arrest those involved.

“Already, 16 suspects have been charged with offences and cases are proceeding through the courts.

“We continue to encourage the public to report any information to us about drug dealing and use, and anti-social behaviour in Bognor.”

Detective Superintendent Colin Garman said: “These warrants show our determination to disrupt the supply of drugs  which we know cause so much harm in our communities.

“It has involved work from colleagues across Sussex Police and with partner forces including the Metropolitan Police to tackle gangs supplying class A drugs.

“We will continue to work with our partners to ensure we make Bognor safer for residents.”

At Maple Gardens on June 4 we made three arrests, including two men aged 34 and 29 who were charged with being concerned in the supply of heroin and crack cocaine. A 45-year-old woman was bailed while the investigation continues.

At Glamis Street in June 19 officers made three arrests. A 47-year-old woman was charged with being concerned in the supply of heroin and crack cocaine, a 43-year-old woman was charged with two assaults on police officers, and a 49-year-old man was charged with possession of cocaine.

At Fletcher Way on June 26, a 19-year-old man was arrested and charged with being concerned in the supply of heroin and crack cocaine, possessing heroin and cocaine with intent to supply, money laundering, and possession of cannabis.

At Swaledale Close on August 21, a 40-year-old man was charged with possessing an offensive weapon in a private place, a 40-year-old man was charged with being concerned in the supply of heroin and crack cocaine, money laundering, and possession of an offensive weapon in a private place, and a 39-year-old man was charged with being concerned in the supply of crack cocaine and heroin.

At Wick on September 3, three arrests were made. A 34-year-old man and a 37-year-old woman were charged with being concerned in the supply of crack cocaine and heroin.