VIDEO: Scores of police raid Barnham home

More than a dozen officers, wearing body armour, stormed a property in Gospond Road at about 8.30am, detaining a total of nine people – eight inside the house, and one in a nearby caravan.

Police were supported by an UAV armed with thermal imaging cameras and a specialist dog unit.

Also accompanying the squad of officers was Sussex police and crime commissioner, Katy Bourne.

This was the first warrant Mrs Bourne had witnessed, first-hand, since becoming the commissioner in 2012.

She said she felt compelled to see the force in action after she had received a number of ‘worry complaints’ from residents about drug-use and anti-social behaviour in the street.

Speaking of the raid, Mrs Bourne said: “Drug dealing is a real blight on our society.

“Not only does it destroy the lives of those who are unfortunately addicted but it also has a devastating effect on local communities.

“The property that was raided in Barnham for the second time this year under the misuse of drugs act had been the cause of much distress to the neighbourhood with continued reports of anti-social behaviour.

“I am pleased that residents can be reassured that Sussex Police and partners will act on reports of drug dealing and the consequential anti-social behaviour and close down these drug dens as soon as possible.

“It was also great to see first-hand the meticulous planning and professionalism of the officers who executed the warrants.”

As a result of the raid, a 19-year-old man was arrested on suspicion cannabis possession

The male was take to the custody centre, in Chichester were he was to be interviewed.