It is the latest attempt by officers to build up evidence against the operators of the café, which has been raided five times.

The building, off Freshbrook Road, is heavily fortified with razor wire and a wall of tyres.

Adur police Inspector James Asser said: "We are continuing to tackle the issue of drug possession and supply within Lancing and have used a variety of tactics to get into the building, which is heavily fortified, in Freshbrook Road.

"We are keen to speak to residents and have previously held street briefings in the area which created an excellent turn-out.

"We are working closely with Adur District Council, including planning enforcement and environmental health, to prevent the sale and supply of harmful drugs in the community."

The most recent raid at the café was in February, and followed four others dating back to July last year, when officers smashed their way into the building using a battering ram on the door and a angle grinder to cut a hole through the reinforced brick wall.

During the second raid, in October, a tractor was used to pull out a window.

Last month, local MP Tim Loughton called on the government to step in, and Insp Asser urged people to report incidents to police via the new email address, or their local officers.

He said: "We strongly encourage residents to speak with their local police community support officer and raise any issues they may have which will form part of our decision-making process."

People can email their comments to operation.
japanese@sussex.pnn.police.uk