Teenager arrested on suspicion of drug and driving offences in Hastings

A teenager has been arrested on suspicion of drug and driving offences in Hastings.

A Sussex Police spokesperson said: “Plain-clothed police officers were on patrol in the town on Monday 18 September when they witnessed a suspected drugs deal take place in a passageway between Bethune Way and Waterworks Road.

“One of the suspects was riding an electric bike, which had also been seen earlier in the day to be travelling at speed, weaving in and out of traffic, and pulling wheelies.

“The plain-clothed officers called for uniformed police to attend.”

A boy was stopped in Queens Road and following a search, officers seized two mobile phones, around 10 wraps of Class A drugs and a quantity of cash,police said. An electric bike was also seized.

A boy was arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply Class A drugs; driving a motor vehicle otherwise than in accordance with a licence; and using a motor vehicle on a road / public place without insurance, said police. He has been released on bail while enquiries continue.

The patrols were part of Project ADDER – an initiative to tackle drug-related harm and crime in Hastings.

Since launching two years ago, the project has seen more than 800 people arrested for drug trafficking and supply, and/or possession of weapons, and more than 1,000 drug seizures, said police.