‘Significant’ drug arrests during police training exercise in Lewes

A 21-year-old from Seaford and a 20-year-old from Newhaven were arrested around 12pm on Monday July 12 on the A26 at the Cuilfail Tunnel, police confirmed.

Police say two officers on their first day of motorcycle training, PC Lee Perks and PC Steve Bucksey from the Sussex Roads Policing Unit, noticed two men riding motorbikes ‘erratically’.

According to police, officers stopped the riders at the northern entrance to the tunnel and could smell drugs on the men.

Both men were told they were to be detained under the Misuse of Drugs Act, at which point one of the suspects attempted to flee from the scene, said police.

Police say he ran towards the roundabout at the junction with the A2029 Malling Street but was pursued and detained by PC Perks and PC Bucksey on foot.

According to police, the man from Seaford was found to be in possession of cannabis, suspected cocaine and MDMA pills – as well as drug dealing bags, a large amount of cash, and a knife.

Police say he was arrested on suspicion of drug-driving, possessing drugs with intent to supply, and possession of a bladed article.

A further search of his home was conducted where officers said they seized a mobile phone and a suspected offensive weapon, namely a stun gun.

The man from Newhaven was arrested on suspicion of drug-driving and possessing drugs with intent to supply, police said.

Police confirmed both men failed roadside drug swipe tests and were taken into custody. They were interviewed and have since been released under investigation.

A statement from Sussex Police said, “The officers’ quick reactions while on training exercise lead to significant drugs arrests.”