Residents at Linchmere in Lodsworth Close, off Swanborough Drive, told The Argus yesterday that youths on bikes regularly arrived at a flat in their block.

They claimed that the permanent stench of cannabis, all-night noise, vandalism and violence had made their lives a living hell.

Inspector Rob Leet said: "It shows the kind of people drug dealers are.

“Not only do they prey on the vulnerable in society to ply their trade, but they exploit the young in the neighbourhoods as well."

One 33-year-old neighbour said in the last two months the flat has become a hot-bed of anti-social activity and constantly smelled of cannabis.

He said residents in the block had complained about loud music and shouting as late as 5am.

Some, who own their own flats, have had to fork out for maintenance costs after people at the flat caused damage.

He said: "It has reached the point where we can't put up with it.

"There are people here with kids. They can't feel safe in their home.

"It has been a nightmare.”

Police did not make any arrests at the raid in Linchmere, Lodsworth Close, off Swanborough Drive, Whitehawk.

Brighton and Hove City Council confirmed work is under way to gather evidence to evict the tenants because of the behaviour at the flat.

Councillor Warren Morgan, who represents East Brighton on Brighton and Hove City Council, said: “Today's raids show that dealers will not be tolerated in the community, and is another example of how intelligence from members of the public is vital in fighting drug crime.”