Police seize almost £1million of drugs and over £100,000 cash in St Leonards

Police have seized almost £1million of illegal drugs and over £100,000 in cash in St Leonards within three days.

On Friday, 19 May, 38-year-old Danny Wilder was seen behaving suspiciously in Cloudesley Road.

He was arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply Class A drugs after being found with a small amount of cocaine and cash.

A search of Wilder’s home in Vale Road, St Leonards, found around 10kg of cocaine and around 16kg of cannabis, plus around £30,000 in cash.

The drugs are believed to have a street value of around £930,000.

Wilder was subsequently charged with possession with intent to supply Class A and Class B drugs and money laundering, remanded in custody.

At Lewes Crown Court on Monday (19 June), he pleaded guilty to all charges. He will appear for sentencing at the same court on 28 July.

Three days later, on Monday, 22 May, officers searched a property in Beauford Road and found around £98,000 in cash.

A 33-year-old man from St Leonards was arrested on suspicion of money laundering and released on conditional bail while enquiries continue.

Detective Inspector Gavin Patch said: “This is a significant seizure of harmful substances that would have had a hugely destructive impact on our communities, along with over £100,000 in suspected illicitly gained assets.

“Every gram of drugs seized, every criminal behind bars and every vulnerable person safeguarded makes a huge difference.

“Illegal drug supply will absolutely not be tolerated in Sussex and we will continue to work closely with our partners and other forces to identify those responsible and bring them to justice.

“You can report any suspicions or crime to Sussex Police online or via 101, or report anonymously through the independent charity Crimestoppers online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org, or by calling 0800 555 111. Always call 999 in an emergency.”