Five people have been arrested following a National Crime Agency operation at Sovereign Harbour in Eastbourne.
Five people have been arrested following a National Crime Agency operation at Sovereign Harbour in Eastbourne.
Officers descended on the harbour on Monday afternoon, with activity focused around Fisherman’s Wharf and Eastbourne Marina.
People living nearly reported seeing a substantial police presence, including several vehicles and officers searching a small white boat which had been cordoned off.
The National Crime Agency confirmed that five suspects were arrested near Eastbourne Marina on Monday, 8 June, as part of an ongoing drugs investigation.
The suspects were taken into custody while inquiries continued.
The operation attracted significant attention from residents and visitors at the busy harbour, with witnesses describing the sudden arrival of police vehicles and officers around the marina.
Photographs and accounts from the scene indicated that investigators were concentrating on a vessel moored near Fisherman’s Wharf.
However, the agency has not disclosed the identities or ages of those arrested.
It has also not confirmed what type or quantity of drugs is suspected to be involved, whether anything was recovered during the searches or where the boat had travelled from.
No charges have been announced at this stage.
The National Crime Agency investigates serious and organised crime, including criminal networks suspected of importing and distributing illegal drugs.
Its officers regularly work alongside police forces and other agencies during operations connected with Britain’s ports, marinas and coastline.
The investigation into the Eastbourne arrests remains ongoing
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