Record drug seizures and arrests in city

They won praise from Detective Chief Inspector Jane Tilzey, force drugs coordinator.

She said: "Recent arrests and drug seizures have been excellent in the city.

"Officers have recorded a number of significant successes, which should act as a warning to those intent on dealing in misery in our communities."

Operation Crackdown, a three-month campaign by the Government and police earlier this year, shut down drug dens and disrupted local drug markets.

Brighton and Hove was chosen to take part in the national campaign and police carried out Operation Illinois as part of an on-going crackdown on Class-A drugs.

Covert surveillance and intelligence-gathering focused on drug hot spots and led to 19 people being arrested for drug-related offences, including possession with intent to supply heroin and cocaine.

Another 15 people were arrested after drug warrants were issued.

Drugs seized included 390g of cocaine, 8,417g of crack cocaine, 5,891g of heroin, 226g of amphetamine, 378g of cannabis and 28 ecstasy tablets.

Operation Illinois involved more than 100 officers and police staff as well as other city partners such as the Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership.

It was followed by Operation Columbia, focusing on drug supply in another area of the city, which resulted in eight arrests.

Detective Chief Inspector Graham Bartlett said: "Since the operations, complaints of drug dealing have fallen and the arrests have had a marked effect.

"These operations were an intensive crackdown but the public should be assured that our fight against drugs is an on-going operation in Sussex.

"Information provided by the public could alert the police to a new problem or confirm existing intelligence.

"We have seen the results. This is proof that information from the public allows the police to take action to rid the local community of drug dealers."

Mr Bartlett urged members of the public to call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 with information.