A FOOTBALL club director is among those charged with conspiring to supply cocaine, while £10 million of assets have been frozen.

Last week, 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 – targeting individuals suspected to be involved in complex fraud and the supply of cocaine.

Since then, eight people have been charged with conspiring to supply cocaine – four who live in Brighton and Hove.

Among them is Kevin Ratcliffe – a director of Saltdean United Football Club.

The Argus: Luxury watches and more than £400,000 in cash was seized by police as part of a series of drug raids Luxury watches and more than £400,000 in cash was seized by police as part of a series of drug raids

In a statement, the club said: “Saltdean United FC have been made aware of some serious allegations and charges made against out club chairman Kevin Ratcliffe.

“The club are shocked, disappointed and saddened by this news.

“These charges are in no way connected with the club, but as a result, he will be asked to resign as director and chairman with immediate effect.

“Whilst the investigations proceed, the committee will continue to oversee the day to day running of the club.”

The following people have been charged with conspiring to supply cocaine:

Kevin Ratcliffe, 40, of Longhill Road, Brighton

Damion Freeman, 44, of Lenham Avenue, Brighton

Patrick Hallahan, 35, of The Drive, Hove

Michael Blewett, 42, of Mulberry Close, Brighton

Lewis Cosgrove, 38, of Butlers Park Way, Rochester

Richard Shelton, 40, of Green Lane, Eltham

Jessie Cockle, 28, of Kimberley Road, Lowestoft

James Savva, 50, of Reservoir Road, New Barnet

Meanwhile, Carl Crabtree, 40, of Colsterdale, Lowestoft, has been charged with concealing criminal property and Daniel Newton, 35, of Whitefriars Wharf, Tonbridge, has been charged with fraud by false representation.

All have been remanded in custody and will next appear at Maidstone Crown Court on Friday, April 22.

A further seven people have been released on bail, pending further enquiries.

The Argus: Designer goods and more than £400,000 in cash was seized by police as part of a series of drug raids Designer goods and more than £400,000 in cash was seized by police as part of a series of drug raids

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.

Financial investigators working for police have since restrained in excess of £10 million worth of alleged criminal assets, including the freezing of bank accounts and prohibiting the sale of property, such as cars and homes.

Assistant Chief Constable Andy Pritchard, head of the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate, previously 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.”