Bexhill warned over crack cocaine

Pushers are offering crack free in Hastings in order to hook the unsuspecting onto what can quickly turn into an 80-a-day habit.

That is the warning that representatives of town organisations serving on Bexhill Police Community Consultative Group have been urged to take back to their members.

Senior police officers were joined by the Rother council leader in punching home the message.

The warning coincides with news that a barn in quiet Hurst Green has been "busted" by the National Crime Squad and found to be the biggest amphetamine "factory" in the country, turning out 1m worth of drugs a week.

Sector Commander Inspector Max Mosley issued every PCCG member with a copy of the Sussex Police newspaper Patrol with its page one heading Action Against Crack Menace.

The force has set up Operation Sceptre to fight the crack menace and accorded it top priority.

It is no surprise to operational police officers in the division that stronger drugs are circulating, Inspector Mosley told the meeting.

His words were reinforced by Superintendent Nick Wilkinson and by Rother leader Cllr Graham Gubby. Crime in Bexhill has been cut by 10 per cent over the rolling year (see page 10). Senlac Division, which covers Rother and Hastings, has shown the single biggest crime drop in Sussex Police.

Crack dealers are totally unscrupulous, Cllr Gubby warned.

"They are GIVING away crack cocaine in Hastings! You can get it for nothing. But with three crystals you are hooked for life and can't get off it."

Police are urging anyone with information about drugs - but especially crack cocaine - to contact them on 0845 6070999 number or via the free and confidential Crimestoppers 0800 555 111 number.