POLICE have arrested five people after a series of drug raids.

Officers targeted addresses in Pankhurst Avenue, New England Street and Tongdean Lane, Brighton, on December 5. They also raided two hotels in the city centre.

Police said the raids were carried out to stem the flow crystal meth into Brighton and Hove.

The following day three arrests were made after raids in London.

Detective Inspector Julie Wakeford of the Brighton and Hove Community Investigation Team, said: "It is believed that this group were sourcing their supply of crystal meth in London. We carried out warrants over two days in both cities with the aim of disrupting their ability to supply for as long as possible.

"A taser along with thousands of pounds worth of drugs and cash was recovered over the two days.

"Crystal meth is becoming more prevalent in Brighton and Hove with police seizures of it increasing over the last year and we would urge any anyone who has information about the supply of this particularly harmful drug to contact us." 

A Brighton man, 42, was arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to supply crystal meth, being concerned in the supply of a class B drug and possession of cannabis. A Brighton man, 53, was detained on suspicion of possession of a class A drug, conspiracy to supply a class B drug and possession of cannabis.

A Brighton man, 40, was arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to supply crystal meth and a 32-year-old Brighton man was arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to supply a class B drug and suspicion of conspiracy to supply crystal meth.

A 50-year-old man from Brighton was arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to supply Class A and B drugs.

Two women from London, aged 35 and 41, were both arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to supply crystal meth and a 38-year-old man from London was arrested on suspicion of possession of a class A drug. Six have been released under investigation while the 41-year-old London woman and 50-year-old Brighton man are on bail until December 28.