Teen arrested after drug raid at Langney house

Officers say they found crack cocaine and heroin – with an estimated street value of £1,000 – when they searched the property in Langney Rise on November 25.

The teenager, from London, was arrested at the property on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of a Class A drug.

He has been released on conditional bail while enquiries continue according to police.

Police have said the officers from the Tactical Enforcement Unit gained a warrant as part of wider police work to address drug issues and associated anti-social behaviour in the Langney area, particularly around Etchingham Road.

Inspector Rachel Barrow, of the Eastbourne neighbourhood policing team, said, “We are listening and responding to the concerns of residents in the area, as we understand the disorder associated with drugs can be distressing for people in our communities.

“As well as addressing the criminality around drugs, our officers are also working closely with partner agencies in a bid to safeguard the vulnerable residents in the area who may be at risk of exploitation and/or cuckooing.”

Cuckooing is when the home of a vulnerable person is taken over and used as a base for drug dealing.

Police say as a result of this search a vulnerable resident was identified and is now being supported by police and other external agencies.

The drugs supply at this address is believed to part of a county line into Eastbourne.

County lines refers to drug networks, both gangs and organised crime groups from large urban areas such as London. The groups use children and vulnerable adults to carry out illegal activity on their behalf, according to police.

Ms Barrow said, “We often see children being exploited by criminal gangs to supply drugs in Sussex. Leaders of the county lines will attempt to entice young people to deal drugs on their behalf, without highlighting the obvious dangers associated with such criminal activity.

“In this case, the county line concerned has been named Phineas and Ferb by those running it.

“This is a clear attempt by drug dealers at a marketing strategy that appeals to vulnerable people in our community because they will often use well-known TV characters and nicknames as a business name.

“We will continue to crack down on drug dealing in our community and we encourage people to report any suspicious activity to us.

“Even if you think it’s a small detail, it all helps to build a bigger picture of the activity ongoing in our community.”

Anyone with any information can report information to Sussex Police online or call 101.

Information can also be given anonymously via the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.