21 arrests made in Bognor drugs crackdown operation
At least 11 drug lines were shut down, including the “MZY” line, where 67 wraps of suspected class A drugs were recovered
Police in Bognor have made 21 arrests and dismantled multiple drug-dealing lines during a summer-long crackdown on county lines activity in the town.
Between June 3 and September 4, warrants were carried out at several addresses, leading to the seizure of drugs, mobile phones, weapons and thousands of pounds in cash.
At least 11 drug lines were shut down, including the “MZY” line, where 67 wraps of suspected class A drugs were recovered at a property in Fletcher Way on June 26. The “Dropz” line was dismantled after a warrant at Maple Gardens on June 4, while the “Shadow” line was closed following a raid at Swaledale Close on August 21, where officers also seized a samurai sword and knuckle dusters.
Warrants were also executed at an address in Glamis Street on June 19, and two properties in Wick on September 3.
At Maple Gardens, three people were arrested. Two men, aged 34 and 29, were later charged with being concerned in the supply of heroin and crack cocaine, while a 45-year-old woman was bailed as investigations continue. In Glamis Street, officers arrested three people. A 47-year-old woman was charged with supplying heroin and crack cocaine, a 43-year-old woman was charged with two assaults on police officers, and a 49-year-old man was charged with possession of cocaine.
At Fletcher Way, a 19-year-old man was arrested and charged with multiple offences including being concerned in the supply of heroin and crack cocaine, possession of both drugs with intent to supply, money laundering and possession of cannabis. In Swaledale Close, three men were arrested. One 40-year-old was charged with possession of an offensive weapon, another 40-year-old with drug supply offences, money laundering and possession of an offensive weapon, and a 39-year-old man was charged with being concerned in the supply of heroin and crack cocaine.
Finally, at Wick on September 3, three more arrests were made. A 34-year-old man and a 37-year-old woman were both charged with being concerned in the supply of heroin and crack cocaine.
Arun District Commander Chief Inspector William Keating-Jones said police understood residents’ concerns about the harm caused by drug-related crime and violence in Bognor. “That is why we have carried out a targeted operation through the summer to shut down drug dealing lines and to arrest those involved,” he said, adding that 16 suspects have already been charged and their cases are progressing through the courts.
Detective Superintendent Colin Garman said the warrants showed the force’s determination to disrupt the supply of drugs, which “cause so much harm in our communities.” He said the work had involved colleagues across Sussex Police and partner forces including the Metropolitan Police, and pledged to continue efforts “to ensure we make Bognor safer for residents.”