DRUGS and a knife have been seized after undercover officers witnessed a suspected drug deal.

Plain clothed officers witnessed the suspected handover in Boyces Street, Brighton at 12.50pm on Saturday, April 29.

During a search, a quantity of suspected Class A drugs and a knife were seized.

An 18-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs and possession of a knife.

He has been bailed subject to conditions while enquiries are ongoing.

The arrest came as part of a week of action against knife crime across the county.

A total of 272 knives were taken off the streets through amnesty bins, weapon sweeps, and stop searches as part of Operation Spectre.

The national campaign to raise awareness of the dangers of knife crime ran from April 26 to May 2.

Sussex Police made a total of 18 arrests for offences including weapon possession, being concerned in the supply of drugs, possession with intent to supply, drug driving, for being wanted on a warrant, and assault.

Officers also carried out 19 weapon sweeps while 254 knives were placed in the amnesty bins.

The Argus: The operation targeted knife crime The operation targeted knife crime

Detective chief inspector Simon Yates said: "This week we've seen some fantastic results as our teams have worked together to take knives off the streets and arrest individuals in connection with serious incidents.

"It's crucial that we continue to share our message that it is a misconception that carrying a knife makes you safer, as it actually puts you at increased risk of harm.

"Carrying a knife for protection is not a defence in law and even being caught with someone carrying can result in a sentence if you are caught.

“During Operation Sceptre we intensified our activities to target offenders and remove harmful items from the streets, but I would like to stress that our activity to combat knife crime is part of everyday policing.

"We have year-round operations to address knife crime including engaging with young people in schools, targeted days of action, and work with partners to ensure people are signposted to help at an early opportunity.

"There is help out there for those who do not feel safe, and we always have amnesty bins in police stations where you can drop off blades so they can be safely disposed of."