One arrest during sixth raid on Lancing cannabis café

Police initially used a disc cutter in a bid to get through the heavily fortified steel door of the premises in Freshbrook Road on Saturday afternoon (June 7) and then smashed a window before someone opened the door from inside.

The road was sealed off by police vehicles and as up to 40 officers were involved in the operation. While they were trying to get into the building a large plume of smoke was seen coming from the roof.

Adur police Chief Inspector Lawrence Hobbs said one person was arrested for possession of cannabis and a further quantity of the drug was seized along with a large amount of cash.

Scenes of crimes officers were examining the contents of an incinerator found inside the cafe.

He said: "This is the sixth time we have raided these premises and we will continue to execute search warrants all the while the owners openly flout the law.

"We have received a number of complaints from local residents, complaining of an increase in anti social behaviour associated with these premises.

"I say to them that we remain committed to disrupting the sale of drugs and working with Adur District Council to have the place closed down.

"But these things take time, and I ask them to bear with us as we continue to gain further evidence from these raids."

Adur police Inspector James Asser, who was at the raid, said: "After speaking to the residents it is clear that some have been subject to threats and intimidation including the most serious, a threat to set fire to their home which are at this time being investigated by local officers.

"Sussex police will not tolerate the supply of drugs and continues to investigate such reports working with our partner agencies to disrupt and prosecute those engaged in the management of premises used for drug supply."

History

Click here to see photographs from the first raid in July 2007.

Click here to see photographs from the second raid.

Click here to see video from the fourth raid.

Click here for details of the fourth raid.

Click here to see video from the fifth raid on the caf.

Click here to see photographs from the fifth raid.

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