Heroin and crack cocaine worth half a million pounds has been seized before it could be sold on Sussex streets.

The “vast quantity” of Class A drugs was seized in a bust by Sussex Police, marking one of the largest hauls for the force.

Bin bags of drugs as well as blocks of drugs were taken before they could be transported to their intended destination in Sussex. A man has been charged with possessing and supplying Class A drugs.

Sussex Police Detective Inspector Alan Pack said: “This is a significant amount of crack cocaine and heroin destined for Sussex which has been seized. Our officers and colleagues from the Metropolitan Police have stopped these Class A drugs being circulated in our county and causing significant harm in our communities.

“These results don’t just happen by chance but through a comprehensive investigation and collaborative working with different forces.

“We will continue to work tenaciously to stop the supply of drugs coming into Sussex and disrupt criminal organisations exploiting vulnerable members of our community.”

Following the bust on Thursday, February 2, in Leyton Grange in London, Mohammed Shafick, 27, was arrested and later charged with two counts of being concerned in the supply of a Class A drug and two counts of possession with intent to supply a Class A drug.

The arrest was carried out in a joint operation between Sussex Police and the Metropolitan Police.

The Argus: A block of the drugs seized in LondonA block of the drugs seized in London (Image: Sussex Police)

After the arrest in London, Shafick was transported to Crawley where he was interviewed by members of the West Sussex Community Investigation Team.

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He appeared before Crawley Magistrates Court on Friday, February 3, where he was remanded in custody. He is set to appear a crown court that is yet to be determined on March 3.

DI Pack added: “If you have any concerns or information relating to drugs, please contact us online or by calling 101 in a non-emergency or 999 in an emergency. This information can also be reported anonymously through the independent charity Crimestoppers online or by calling 0800 555 111.”