A two week covert operation to target the drugs underworld has resulted in more than 80 arrests, police revealed today.

Operation Blockhouse finished on Friday following a fortnight of undercover surveillance and arrests made by police all over East Sussex.

Police said 15 people out of 83 arrested had been charged on drug-related offences but more were expected to follow as results from substance testing centres arrived.

Nearly 50 people were arrested in the Eastbourne area, and in addition to drugs offences included arrests for stolen property, possesing offensive weapons and burglary.

Detective sergeant Gordon Denslow, who led the operation, said: "We are astounded by the number of arrests which were made but are pleased with the outcome. We will continue to drive out the continuing drug problem within the division, focusing particularly on Eastbourne. The work we have put into Operation Blockhouse over the last six months to make the operation the success it has been, will be continued by officers in East Downs Division.

"The public can be reassured that we will keep drug-related crime under control in the coming months."

Officers confiscated stolen property and drugs thought to be worth in the region of £40,000 during the operation.

Officers in Eastbourne uncovered quanities of drugs inculding heroin and Ecstacy, much of which has been sent to laboratories for testing.

Ten warrants in Eastbourne were executed for theft, 18 for burglary, two for criminal damage, one for actual bodily harm and two for non-payment of fines.

Two arrests were also made for possesing an offensive weapon.

Figures for Hailsham show six people were arrested on a variety of charges, Lewes saw eight arrests and Seahaven nine.

A police spokesman said figures were likely to change as more police reports were filed.