Sussex Police seize drugs and cash from organised group in Crawley

Officers from the tactical enforcement unit (TEU) executed a warrant under the Misuse of Drugs Act at an address north of Crawley on Saturday, April 8.

When they gained entry to the property, police found two men attempting to escape via the rear of the property.

But they were stopped by TEU officers and by police dog Tsar, a three-year-old German shepherd.

Sussex Police dog Tsar (Image: Sussex Police)

Meanwhile one man was attempting to flush Class A drugs down the toilet and another man was pretending to be asleep, police said.

A search of the premises revealed a large quantity of cocaine in individual wraps and in a block and a large quantity of cannabis.

Police also found cash worth thousands of pounds in carrier bags thanks to the help of police dog Paddy who sniffed out hidden packages inside the property.

There were four arrests.

Three men aged 29, 24, and 23 were arrested on suspicion of possessing Class A drugs with intent to supply, being concerned in the supply of a Class B drug and concealing, disguising or converting criminal property.

A fourth man aged 25 was arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of a Class A drug.

All four were bailed, pending further investigation.

Four people were arrested (Image: Sussex Police)

West Sussex local policing superintendent Nicholas Dias said: “The officers involved in this operation have shown great teamwork to prevent drugs suspects operating in Crawley.

“We are determined to disrupt the supply of drugs and the associated criminality which cause so much harm in our communities.

“The value of the drugs and cash found shows the scale of the suspected crime group so we are pleased to have achieved such a positive result.

“We continue to encourage the public to report suspected drug dealing and antisocial behaviour to us on the Sussex Police website.”