East Sussex drugs warrants lead to 11 arrests

An investigation into the large-scale supply of illegal drugs led to a further 11 arrests across East Sussex last week.

Sussex Police’s Serious Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) previously arrested 13 people suspected of distributing cocaine as part of Operation Bowtie.

And a week of intensification from Monday 24 to Friday 28 February – consisting of nine separate warrants – resulted in the further arrests, plus the seizure of significant quantities of cash, Class A drugs, stolen vehicles and weapons.

On Monday 24 February, a 39-year-old man, a 29-year-old man and a 41-year-old woman from Eastbourne were arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of cocaine. A 31-year-old woman from Peacehaven was arrested on suspicion of possession of a stolen vehicle on false plates.

On Wednesday 26 February, Nigel Evendon, 58, of Eastbourne Road, Halland, was arrested and charged with 21 offences including possession of a firearm, being concerned in the supply of Class A and Class B drugs, and participating in the criminal activities of an organised crime group.

He entered no plea and was remanded in custody ahead of a trial at Lewes Crown Court on 28 March.

Nicole Clarke, 37, of Hailsham Road, Herstmonceux, was arrested and charged with six offences including acquiring criminal property, and possession of Class A and Class B drugs.

She also entered no plea and was remanded in custody to appear for trial at Lewes Crown Court on 27 March.

On Friday 28 February, a 33-year-old man from Hastings was arrested on suspicion of acquiring criminal property, being concerned in the supply of cocaine and causing unnecessary suffering to an animal.

A 39-year-old man from Eastbourne was arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of cocaine.

A 28-year-old man from Ashford in Kent was arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of cocaine.

A 21-year-old woman and a 63-year-old man from Ashburnham were arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the production of cannabis.

All suspects who were not charged were bailed until late May, as the investigation continues.