Seven people face trial by jury over claims that they ran a drug dealing “conspiracy” at The Level in Brighton.

Six of the seven – all from the Brighton and Hove area – appeared at Lewes Crown Court today (Wednesday 15 January) before Judge Mark van der Zwart.

Charges were put to three of the defendants who are accused of being part of a drugs gang throughout almost all of 2018.

Elson Brito, 22, of Corrola Court, Francis Street, Brighton, Raheem Mcleod, 25, currently held in Rochester Prison, and Lasells Hazel, 32, currently held in Ford Prison, all denied conspiring to supply cannabis.

Mcleod admitted having a folding lock-knife in London Road, Brighton, on Sunday 17 July 2018, while Hazel denied having criminal property – cash – that was the result of criminal activity.

Jacques Jugnarain, 18, of Canning Street, Brighton, and Arman Patel, 19, of Montpelier Road, Brighton, and two 15-year-old youths who cannot be named for legal reasons are all expected to enter a plea at a future hearing.

A four-week trial is expected to start on in early May.

Mcleod and Hazel were remanded in custody.

The rest were remanded on bailed on condition that they stay away from The Level.