LUXURY watches, cars, designer goods and more than £400,000 in cash was seized by police as part of a series of drug raids.

A total of 17 people were arrested after 28 warrants were carried out across the South East – seven of which were in Sussex.

Officers targeted individuals who are suspected to be involved in complex fraud and the supply of huge quantities of cocaine.

Alleged financial wrongdoing includes money laundering, tax fraud and falsely claiming Covid-19 bounce back loans, according to police.

Nine men, aged between 28 and 50, have been arrested on suspicion of drug supply offences, which include conspiring to supply large quantities of cocaine.

The Argus: Luxury watches seized during raids in Sussex Luxury watches seized during raids in Sussex

A further seven men and one woman, aged 29 to 53, were arrested on suspicion of fraud offences, including money laundering, conspiring to cheat the public revenue and concealing criminal property.

All remain in custody as enquiries continue.

A total of 14 warrants took place in Kent, seven in Sussex, three in London, two in Essex and two in Suffolk.

More than £400,000 in cash has been seized, along with 41 luxury watches, two cars and a huge amount of designer goods and artwork.

The Argus: Designer items seized in drug raids in SussexDesigner items seized in drug raids in Sussex

Officers involved were working within Sussex Police, Kent Police, Essex Police, Suffolk Constabulary and the Metropolitan Police.

Assistant Chief Constable Andy Pritchard, head of the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate, said: “Although we remain at the early stages of our enquiries, significant action has been taken against a group of people who we allege are involved in highly organised, cross-border criminality.

“The activity is a by-product of our outstanding working practices with partner agencies, which for this case includes five police forces and HMRC.

“We believe our shared resources and expertise has caused a significant hit to an organised crime group, and we’re going to continue working in unison to ensure proportionate and robust action is taken.”