Two dealers have been jailed for a total of eight and a half years for their part in running the “Charlie” drugs line.
The pair came to the attention of the police as a result of “mobile phone intelligence” relating to the drugs line last May.
It was established that the line was being controlled by 23-year-old Charlie Harris, from Crawley, with Ross Sandwell, 42, from Saltdean, holding the mobile phone.
Sussex Police said today (Tuesday 24 February): “Warrants were executed by Sussex Police and Metropolitan Police officers on Monday 14 May 2025 at two addresses – one in Suez Way, Brighton, and another in Johnson Walk, Crawley.
“Officers seized a number of items including three mobile phones, two SIM cards, a quantity of cannabis and £245 in cash from the address in Crawley.
“Harris was located at the property and arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of class A drugs.
“He was recalled to prison after having been released on licence while serving a sentence for a previous drug supply conviction that he was jailed for in May 2024.
“During the warrant at the address in Suez Way, officers seized two mobile phones and a quantity of cannabis was seized.
“Sandwell was also located and arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of class A drugs and for possession of a class B drug.
“The next day Harris and Sandwell were each charged with being concerned in the supply of crack cocaine, possession of a class B drug and being concerned in the offer to supply heroin.
“Both men appeared at Crawley Magistrates’ Court and were remanded into custody.”
“On Tuesday 10 June 2025, Sandwell and Harris appeared at Crawley Magistrates’ Court and both pleaded not guilty to the charges.
“However, both Sandwell and Harris changed their pleas to guilty ahead of the trial due at Lewes Crown Court on Monday 3 November 2025.
“Both men instead appeared at Brighton Crown Court on Friday 30 January this year for sentencing.”
Recorder David Vince jailed Harris, of Johnson Walk, Crawley, for five years and six months and Sandwell, of Suez Way, Saltdean, for three years.
The officer in charge of this case, Detective Constable Bav Chahal, said: “Illicit drugs and the drug lines that supply them cause immense harm to our communities and often to those who are most vulnerable.
“I am pleased to see this supply of illegal drugs disrupted and those responsible brought to justice.
“Our pursuit of offenders operating drug lines remains relentless as we strive to protect communities across Sussex.”
