Sussex Police’s Tactical Firearms Unit (TFU) have smashed drug rings across Brighton and Hove with a series of daring patrols and vehicle chases. Their efforts have led to multiple arrests, convictions, and jail time for criminals linked to drug supply.

High-Speed Chase Ends in Arrest

On 31 August, TFU officers in an unmarked car nailed a suspect vehicle in Lansdowne Road, Hove, believed to be involved in drug dealing. When officers signalled the driver to stop, he sped off. A short pursuit ended with the vehicle being boxed in on Eaton Road.

Driver Ramin Qadir, 25, with no fixed address, was arrested and charged with dangerous driving, driving without insurance, and driving without a licence. At Brighton Magistrates’ Court on 18 September, Qadir pleaded guilty and was given a 12-month community order, a 12-month driving ban, and 200 hours of unpaid work.

Drugs and Cash Seized in Hove

The day before, on 30 August, officers stopped another car in Holland Road, Hove. They found £1,000 in cash and 20 wraps of cocaine. Rei Fera, 22, also with no fixed address, was arrested for possession of Class A drugs and criminal property.

Fera admitted the charges and was sentenced to 16 months in prison at Lewes Crown Court on 30 September.

Cocaine Bust Leads to More Jail Time

On 12 September, a car was chased to The Causeway, Brighton. Passenger Naser Bici, 21, was found with cash and cocaine. He pleaded guilty to possession with intent to supply Class A drugs and was locked up for 16 months at Lewes Crown Court on 13 October.

Moped Rider Nabbed with Drugs and Driving Offences

TFU officers pulled over a moped on 19 September in Clifton Street, Brighton, linked to drug dealing. Rider Rafael Junior Andrade Ferreira, 31, was charged with disqualified driving, no insurance, and possession of Class B drugs (ketamine and cannabis). Although he pleaded guilty, Ferreira skipped his court date on 30 September. A warrant has been issued for his arrest.

Inspector Rob Hart Speaks Out

“These outcomes are the result of proactive patrols by our officers to protect the public and bring offenders to justice. A common misconception is that TFU officers only respond to firearms incidents — but we’re trained to handle a wide range of situations including assaults, public order and road traffic incidents. We can’t be everywhere all the time, but we could be anywhere at any time.”