Project Medusa officers deploy to Brighton to target drug supply

Officers from Merseyside Police’s Project Medusa team have deployed to Brighton and Hove to target drugs supply and related offences in and around the city. 

On 23 - 25 July, officers carried out warrants and searches across the city, aimed at disrupting the supply of illegal drugs ahead of Brighton Pride which takes place between 3-4 August. The targeted operation focused on the advertisement of drugs online through online messaging services and social media platforms.

Merseyside’s Project Medusa team was introduced in 2019 to tackle county lines drug dealing and the criminal exploitation of young people and vulnerable adults.

On Tuesday 23 July, a warrant was executed in the Brighton area which led to the arrest of a 29-year-old man from Brighton on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of Class B drugs. Cannabis was also seized.

On Wednesday 24 July, searches took place in the Brighton and Saltdean areas. A 36-year-old man from Saltdean was arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of Class A and Class B drugs. Officers seized mushrooms – commonly known as magic mushrooms – cannabis, cannabis edibles and cannabis vapes.

On Thursday 25 July, officers searching the Hastings area arrested a 16-year-old boy from Hastings on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of Class B drugs. Cannabis and vapes were seized by officers.

All three have been released under investigation.

Detective Sergeant Kieran Connolly from Merseyside Police said: “This joint operation with Sussex Police resulted in three arrests and significant drug seizures. We hope it will contribute to everyone enjoying a safe weekend celebrating Brighton Pride. 

“Drug dealing has evolved with the rise of social media platforms, which are being used to facilitate the sale of drugs to a national customer base.

“This operation sends a clear message to those involved in the supply of illegal drugs, whether online or offline, that we will investigate and remove illegal drugs from circulation.”

Detective Sergeant Mark Pinder from Sussex Police said: “This operation is very important on the lead up to Pride to ensure we disrupt county drug lines which could affect the event.

“The joint operation between Sussex and Merseyside’s Project Medusa team was a success.

“We take this extra step every year to ensure festival goers and local residents are safe from any drug crime, and this year was no different.

“We hope everyone has a safe and enjoyable Brighton Pride.”

If you have concerns about drug dealing in your area you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111, call Merseyside Police on 101 or DM @MerpolCC.  Always contact 999 if a crime is in progress.