Police activity focused in an area of Eastbourne town centre has led to arrests, charges and multiple drug seizures.
Officers from the Neighbourhood Enforcement Team have been proactively tackling crime in the Willowfield Square and Belmore Road area of the town in recent weeks.
On Wednesday 25 May, officers arrested James Barnes in Belmore Road after witnessing him conduct a drug deal in nearby Seaside.
He was searched and found in possession of two vape pens containing wraps of heroin and crack cocaine.
At Lewes Crown Court on Friday 24 June, 37-year-old Barnes pleaded guilty to possession with intent to supply crack cocaine and possession with intent to supply heroin. Barnes, of no fixed address, was sentenced to 45 months’ imprisonment
On June 1, officers arrested Jack Beaver on suspicion of burgling a property in Belmore Road in January 2022.
Beaver, 30 and of no fixed address, was subsequently charged with burglary dwelling and theft, and possession of a bladed article. He was remanded in custody to next appear before the court on June 30.
On June 10, officers identified a man in Willowfield Square in possession of 12 wraps of cocaine and £1,200 in cash. The drugs and money were seized, and the man issued with a conditional caution.
On June 24, response officers arrested Kayne Nicholas-Wilson at an address in Belmore Road. Class A drugs were seized and Nicholas-Wilson, 21, was charged with nine offences. He has been remanded in custody to appear before the court on July 20.
On June 25, officers arrested a drug runner from the area after spotting him dealing in Wellesley Road. His phone was seized, along with 10 wraps of crack cocaine and heroin, and he received a conditional caution.
On Tuesday 28 June, a warrant was executed at an address in Willowfield Square. Approximately 200 wraps of crack cocaine and heroin, £300 in cash and multiple phones were seized.
Four people were arrested and on Wednesday (June 29), all pleaded guilty to offences at Brighton Magistrates’ Court.
Alex Azagoh, 18, of Footscray Road, Eltham, pleaded guilty to being concerned in the supply of crack cocaine; being concerned in the supply of heroin; possession with intent to supply crack cocaine; possession with intent to supply heroin; acquiring / using / possessing criminal property.
Andrew Denney, 50, of Elms Avenue, Eastbourne, pleaded guilty to being concerned in the supply of crack cocaine and being concerned in the supply of heroin.
Romario Markland, 23, of Lambton Road, Islington, pleaded guilty to being concerned in the supply of crack cocaine and being concerned in the supply of heroin.
Terry Olsen, 43, of Willowfield Square, Eastbourne pleaded guilty to permitting the use of premises for the supply of heroin; being concerned in the supply of crack cocaine; and being concerned in the supply of heroin.
All four have been remanded in custody ahead of sentencing on July 27.
Chief Inspector Di Lewis, district commander for Eastbourne, said: “We want to make it difficult for people to conduct any sort of criminal activity in our community. By directing our resources to a very localised area, we have been able to intensify our efforts and in the space of a few weeks, have seen multiple drug and cash seizures as well as arrests and a conviction.
“Where we become aware of ongoing issues in a certain area, our neighbourhood policing teams will work together to tackle it through dedicated engagement and enforcement activity, giving local residents a reprieve from the concerning behaviour that negatively impacts their day-to-day lives.
“We encourage people to report such matters to us, so we can respond effectively. Information can be passed to police online or via 101, or anonymously via the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”
