Officers from the Worthing Neighbourhood Policing Team made several arrests following proactive patrols to tackle drug-dealing in the town.
They focused on addresses where vulnerable residents were at risk of being targeted by drug dealers.
Some residents were at risk of “cuckooing” by criminal groups from London who take over the home of a vulnerable person and use the property as a base for their operation in a process known as County Lines.
Officers’ work led to several arrests for multiple offences, and four people were given safeguarding support.
Three knives were seized along with £2,000 in cash and large amounts of class A drugs.
District Commander Chief Inspector Sarah Leadbeatter said: “In the last month, Worthing Neighbourhood Policing team has carried out proactive work in the area to tackle county lines drug dealing.
“This work has led to several arrests for drug dealing and related offences. In the process we have safeguarded four vulnerable people, and seized knives, cash and drugs.
“The arrests highlight the dedicated work of our team to protect our communities from drugs and the crime associated with it.
”Among those arrested was a 36-year-old woman on suspicion of aggravated burglary with intent at an address in Shelley Road.
An 18-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of a class A drug, possession of a class B drug, and acquiring, using or possessing criminal property on August 3 in Littlehampton Road, Salvington, following police concerns about cuckooing.
The next day officers attended another address in Littlehampton Road where a 46-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of possessing a class A drug with intent to supply.
A 41-year-old woman was also arrested for being concerned in the supply of a class A drug.
Then on August 13 officers attended an address in Cortis Avenue, Broadwater.
An 18-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of possessing crack cocaine with intent to supply and possession of a class B drug.
A 36-year-old man was also arrested on suspicion of common assault.They were all released under investigation.
Other suspects who were arrested faced no further action.
Chief Insp Leadbeatter added: “If you have concerns about drug dealing in your area, report it to us online here or call 101. Alternatively call CrimeStoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.”
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