A 22-year-old man has been re-arrested as part of a National Crime Agency investigation into organised immigration crime.
The Albanian national was apprehended by armed NCA officers in Clarence Square, Brighton, yesterday evening (2 October).
An address on Dyke Road, Brighton, was searched and officers found a quantity of class A drugs (cocaine) which had been separated into dozens of deal bags. They also found approximately £1,000 in cash, which was seized.
The man was arrested on suspicion of money laundering offences and possession with intent to supply class A drug and is currently being questioned by NCA investigators.
He is suspected of being involved in the facilitation of migrants from Albania to the UK via small boats and HGVs and was first arrested at an immigration detention centre near Gatwick Airport on 7 August but released on bail.
NCA Branch Commander Sara-Jayne Moore said:
“This individual was re-arrested as part of our ongoing investigation into perilous people smuggling journeys using small boats and HGVs across the Channel.
“Tackling people smuggling is a top priority for the NCA, and this is one of 100 ongoing investigations targeting groups or individuals both directly involved in organising crossings, or those who facilitate that criminality.
“Our investigation continues with the evidence we have gathered following this arrest.”
3 October 2025
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