Anton Reynolds was part of the county line “JC” which delivers drugs from London to Crawley.
After responding to an unrelated incident earlier this year, officers discovered a bulk text message on a person’s mobile phone.
Data analysis was carried out on the number the message was sent from, which revealed it was being used to run the “JC” line.
On October 10, police identified an Airbnb in Crawley which had been booked in Reynolds’ name.
The 31-year-old was seen entering the property with a large holdall. He left and police carried out a stop and search.
Officers found Reynolds, of Rathlin Road, Crawley, with wraps of drugs. Searching the holdall, officers found a large amount of cash and inside the Airbnb there were more drugs.
Reynolds was arrested and charged with possession with intent to supply crack cocaine and heroin, being concerned in the supply of crack cocaine and heroin, and possession of cannabis.
The next day, October 11, Wayne McFarlane was stopped by Sussex Police officers working in partnership with the Met Police’s county lines drug team – called Operation Orochi – in Fullwell Road, London, and searched.
Police then searched his address in Cornell Square, Lambeth and found various drugs.
McFarlane, 28, was arrested and charged with being concerned in the supply of crack cocaine and heroin.
Both defendants were remanded in custody and pleaded guilty to all offences.
At Lewes Crown Court on Friday, November 17, Reynolds was sentenced to 49 months’ imprisonment and McFarlane was sentenced to 38 months’ imprisonment.
PC Ross Sandiford said: “The JC drug line came to notice of the county lines team Centurion in August 2023. Extensive enquiries carried out by officers, working collaboratively with the Operation Orochi team within the Metropolitan Police, identified McFarlane and Reynolds as controlling the drug line.
“Officers worked tirelessly to ensure best evidence was achieved prior to their arrest. Due to the evidential package put before the court both defendants had very little option other than to plead guilty.
“County drug lines supplying Class A drugs can have a devastating impact on the end user and wider community. Dealers will often exploit children and vulnerable drug users to store and supply controlled drugs on their behalf.”
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