Eastbourne tattoo artist pleads guilty after being caught with ‘bags of cocaine and cannabis’

An Eastbourne tattoo artist has pleaded guilty to five offences after being arrested by officers who found ‘bags of cocaine and cannabis’, with a street value of £4,000, in his car.
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Sussex Police said that on Saturday (May 9), officers on patrol in Eastbourne stopped a gold Nissan Micra that had been reported by a member of the public the previous day as being involved in numerous suspected drug deals.

According to police, the vehicle and its driver Emigert Cenmurati, 26, from Seaside, were searched. Police said bags of cocaine and cannabis were found alongside a large quantity of cash.

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Officers said Cenmurati was arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply controlled drugs of Class A and Class B. After further investigation, officers said, he was also arrested on suspicion of acquiring, using and possessing criminal property, driving a motor vehicle otherwise than in accordance with a licence and driving without insurance.

Emigert Cenmurati pleaded guilty to all five offences SUS-200514-135411001Emigert Cenmurati pleaded guilty to all five offences SUS-200514-135411001
Emigert Cenmurati pleaded guilty to all five offences SUS-200514-135411001

Police said Cenmurati pleaded guilty to all five offences when he appeared at Brighton Magistrates’ Court on Monday (May 11).

He has been remanded in custody for sentencing on June 8 at a court to be confirmed, according to police.

Inspector Rachel Barrow from the local policing team in Eastbourne said, “This is one of many arrests for drug supply offences in Eastbourne in the last two weeks.

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“We have seen an increase in dealers in the town and with that comes some really significant concerns.

“In this case, our thanks go to local residents who reported the car that Cenmurati was driving as suspicious and officers were able to find it and stop it.

“What followed was a focused effort on the part of the officers, who worked a mammoth 22-hour shift to secure the evidence and charges against Cenmurati, which would lead to him remaining in custody and off the streets.

“All too often we forget to mention the detail around the work that local officers put into cases such as this, and I believe it is important to highlight and share with the public just how dedicated police officers in Eastbourne have been to tackling this problem.

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“Working hand in glove with enforcement, prevention officers and partners from treatment services, Adult Social Care, Eastbourne Borough Council, as well as professionals working with the Rough Sleepers Initiative, we continue to help and safeguard local users who find themselves coerced and pressured into allowing their accommodation to be used by drug dealers.

“This is not a new or unique problem to Eastbourne, but in recent weeks the numbers of those exposed to this type of ‘cuckooing’ in Eastbourne has increased sharply.

“I cannot stress enough the importance of the work that has been taking place to make Eastbourne a hostile town to those who come here looking to profit from supplying controlled drugs and flooding the market with heroin and crack cocaine.

“As officers make arrests on a daily basis to those who insist on exploiting not just Eastbourne but other towns in Sussex, there is a clear message to stay away.

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“You will be found, your drugs, cash, weapons and assets will be seized by police and we will not stop until we lock you up.”

A Sussex Police spokesperson said one way people can continue to help is to be alive to the risks of cuckooing and report their concerns to them.

The spokesperson said this is particularly important for those delivering food and services to vulnerable people in the community during the coronavirus pandemic.

It is likely, the spokesperson said, those services will see and hear activity linked to this type of exploitation more readily and can raise the alarm early so interventions can be made quickly.

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Residents and local businesses can continue to report their concerns to police online or by calling 101, and also via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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