TWO suspected drug dealers have been arrested for possessing and dealing a significant quantity of heroin and cocaine.

A 24-year-old Brighton man was detained on suspicion of possession with intent to supply class A drugs in Princes Street, Brighton, on Sunday, after he was spotted acting suspiciously by police officers on patrol in the area.

Police carried out a search and 23 zip bags of heroin and £400 cash were found on him.

A search warrant was carried out at his address and £6,000 in cash and drugs paraphernalia was found.

He was further arrested on suspicion of supplying cocaine, money laundering and fraud by false representation.

He was released on bail until June 28.

The second man, a 19-year-old from London, was arrested on Monday after a resident allegedly saw him dealing drugs in St James’s Street, Brighton.

The resident quickly alerted a PCSO from the prevention team who was patrolling nearby.

The officer followed the alleged drug dealer and alerted police officers who arrested him. They carried out a search and found 63 “shots” of crack cocaine on him. The suspect was detained on suspicion of possession with intent to supply crack cocaine.

He was questioned and released under investigation.

The new Chief Inspector for Brighton and Hove has pledged to tackle the issues and concerns raised by residents and traders in St James’s Street.

Chief Insp Rachel Swinney, who is in charge of prevention and operation for the division, said: “I am absolutely committed to working with residents and businesses in the St James’s Street area of the city.

“Our local prevention teams have been active in this area with focused patrols and we have been taking a robust approach to criminal activity.

“Aggressive begging and drug dealing will not be tolerated and we have already made some significant arrests.

“But I also want to emphasis the importance of working with our partners to ensure that we are looking at longer term solutions.

“We will continue to work with our partners, the city council, drug and alcohol and homeless support agencies to look at the best solutions to the issues.

“It is vitally important that we provide a proportionate service to the residents of Brighton and Hove and we will take every opportunity to ensure that we have that visible presence where it’s needed.”

In another incident on Tuesday, officers conducted a “thorough” search of a drug dealer in St James’s Street and found a stash of drugs.

Officers said: “He was ingenious in where he did his stash, but to no avail.”

Officers also made four arrests at The Level, Brighton, to curb drug dealing.