Police in Eastbourne and Bexhill arrested 13 suspected offenders in the latest onslaught on drug crime.

Cannabis with a street value of £200,000 was seized in the sweep, codenamed Operation Fracture 2, as police executed 12 drugs warrants.

Seventeen people were detained during searches in Langney, Hampden Park and Eastbourne town centre, while other premises were raided in Bexhill.

A total of 18 properties were searched and about £10,000 in cash was recovered.

About 35 rocks of suspected crack cocaine were found in one property in Eastbourne town centre.

More than 50 officers from across Sussex were deployed.

The automatic number plate reader team stopped a vehicle at the Crumbles Retail Park, Eastbourne, and uncovered about £8,000 in used banknotes.

A search of the driver's Bexhill property and other premises yielded the 392 9oz bars of cannabis resin. A drugs factory was also uncovered together with a further £3,000 in cash and a quantity of cocaine.

Suspected stolen property was seized from a number of addresses, including small antiques, silverware and electrical items.

The blitz formed part of Operation Confront, a long-term initiative to cut domestic burglary, violent crime, vehicle crime and drug crime in the centre of Eastbourne.

By last night, two people had been released on police bail pending inquiries, three others remained in custody and eight were cautioned.