Men charged with drug offences after police raids in Brighton and Hove

Sussex Police executed three warrants at addresses in Brighton and Hove on July 8.

One warrant was executed at an address in Withdean Road in Brighton, another at an address in Hallyburton Road in Hove, and a third at premises in Western Road, Hove.

Police have now confirmed that the third warrant was executed at the offices of estate agents Spark & Sons, at 45 Western Road in Hove.

Police said officers seized a number of items from the two addresses and the Spark & Sons premises, including false identification documents, mobile phones, laptops, paperwork, and cash.

A 59-year-old man was found at the Spark & Sons office on Western Road and arrested on suspicion of seven offences, including participating in the criminal activities of an organised crime group, and offences relating to the production and distribution of drugs.

The man has been released on bail while enquiries continue.

The Western Road premises raided by police (Image: NQ)

Two other men were arrested and charged.

Daniel Askari, 27, was found at the address in Withdean Road, while 36-year-old Christo Ntonta was found at the address in Hallyburton Road.

Both were arrested at the respective addresses and charged the following day.

Askari, a Swedish national, is listed on Companies House as sole director of PFH Estates Ltd, a property company whose registered office is at 45 Western Road, Hove – the same address as the Spark & Sons office.

Brighton and Hove City Council’s Selective Licence Register refers to a property managed by "PFH Estates Ltd, trading as Spark & Sons."

Askari was charged with seven offences: participating in the criminal activities of an organised crime group; committing an act or series of acts with intent to pervert the course of public justice; permitting the use of premises for the supply of cocaine; permitting the production or attempted production of a class B drug on premises; conspiring to produce cannabis; attempting to conceal, disguise, convert, transfer or remove criminal property; and acquiring, using or possessing criminal property.

Ntonta was charged with participating in the criminal activities of an organised crime group, conspiring to produce a class B drug, namely cannabis, and possessing an offensive weapon in a public place.

Both men appeared at Brighton Magistrates’ Court on July 9 and were remanded in custody.

Both were released on bail the following day at Hove Crown Court, and are due to appear in court again on August 6.

Spark & Sons declined to comment when contacted by The Argus.