A NEW police squad swooped in to smash drugs gangs by carrying out a series of raids.

The Tactical Enforcement Unit targeted an address in Donald Hall Road, Brighton, smashing through the front door.

A 41-year-old man and a 26-year-old woman were arrested on suspicion of dealing class A drugs.

Meanwhile the unit also raided an address in Church Road, Hove, after officers suspected a man of drug dealing in Brighton earlier in the day.

A 23-year-old man was charged on suspicion of conspiracy to supply crack cocaine and heroin.

The unit was set up to smash drug dealing gangs, remove drugs from the streets and help those who are victims of “cuckooing”.

That is when drugs gangs take over the homes of vulnerable users.

Police say the unit made ten arrests in a week after it was launched a month ago.

Inspector Dan Hiles, who is leading the unit, said: “The team has had another busy week arresting suspected drug dealers and burglars, protecting vulnerable victims and others suspected of being involved in serious crimes.

“We will continue our work to disrupt criminal activity, enforce the law and protect communities in Sussex.”

Inspector Hiles said his unit wants to create a “hostile environment” for dangerous and persistent criminals and said his team was dedicated to capturing some of the county’s most wanted and prolific offenders.

The man and woman arrested at Donald Hall Road were released under investigation.

Meanwhile in Hove 23-year-old Hamse Musa, of Purdy Street, London, was charged with conspiracy to class A drugs.

He was remanded in custody to appear at crown court on February 6.

Other arrests included a 23-year-old woman on suspicion of possessing cannabis with intent to supply, conspiracy to supply crack cocaine and heroin, and money laundering.

She was released under investigation.

The unit arrested two men aged 18 and 20 and two youths aged 16 and 17 at Tavistock Down, Brighton, on suspicion of burglary and being concerned in the supply of cannabis.

They were bailed until February 5.

There was also a raid that found a cannabis factory in St Leonards and a Brighton robbery suspect was held.