Two drug dealers have been jailed after they were found selling heroin and crack cocaine from a rented property in St Leonards and storing it there.
Officers from Hastings Neighbourhood Enforcement Team were on patrol when they spotted Gary Cotter selling class A drugs in Gensing Road.
He was arrested and officers then searched a nearby property where Musa Massaquoi was found.
Inside the address officers found heroin and crack cocaine worth £1,500 as well as about £6,500 in cash.
Both men were arrested and released on bail while further inquires were carried out.
They were later charged with being concerned in the supply of heroin and crack cocaine and having both drugs with intent to supply as well as offences relating to money laundering.
Sussex Police said: “The arrests were another successful example of police work as part of Project Adder, using funding from the government to tackle drug supply and usage in Hastings and St Leonards.”
Detective Chief Inspector Catherine O’Connor said: “This case demonstrates the determination of officers and investigators to catch criminals supplying class A drugs that cause so much harm in our communities.”
At Lewes Crown Court last Monday (2 September), Judge Stephen Mooney jailed Massaquoi and Cotter for two years and seven months each.
The court was told that they were caught in November 2022.
Cotter, 48, formerly of Frant Road, Thornton Heath, London, was seen dealing to a drug user in the street. He was arrested and keys to the house, rented out on a short-term basis, fell out of his pocket.
When police went to the address, Massaquoi, 22, formerly of Armfield Crescent, Mitcham, at first tried to stop officers from going in.
But once inside, officers found drugs and cash – and Massaquoi’s DNA was found on the drug wraps that were ready to be sold.
Both men were charged but Cotter failed to surrender to bail three times while other legal delays meant that it until last Monday before the pair could be sentenced.
Detective Chief Inspector O’Connor added: “We are pleased that these two defendants have now been sentenced.
“Tackling drug-related harm is one of our key policing priorities in Hastings and Project Adder greatly supported the work being done.
“Working alongside partners, we have continued to disrupt drug supply in the town as well as safeguard vulnerable drug users at risk of exploitation.
“Our overall aim is to continue working effectively with our partners to make the town a safer place for everyone.”
