Charlie Harris, 23, from Crawley, and Ross Sandwell, 42, from Saltdean, ran the ‘Charlie’ county lines drug operation.
County lines is the name given to drug dealing where organised criminal groups use phone lines to move and supply drugs, usually from cities into smaller towns and rural areas.
Police began investigating the pair in May last year after receiving intelligence linked to a mobile phone associated with the drug line.
A joint operation by Sussex Police and the Metropolitan Police led to warrants being executed on May 14, 2025, at addresses in Suez Way, Brighton and Johnson Walk, Crawley.
Officers arrested Harris at the Crawley address and seized three mobile phones, two SIM cards, a quantity of cannabis, and £245 in cash.
He was taken into custody on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs.
The pair both received custodial sentences (Image: Sussex Police)
At the time, Harris was on licence following a previous drug supply conviction for which he was jailed in May 2024. Following his arrest, he was recalled to prison.
Sandwell was arrested at the Brighton address. Officers seized two mobile phones and a quantity of cannabis from the property.
He was arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs and possession of a Class B drug.
Both men were later 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.
They appeared at Crawley Magistrates’ Court and were remanded in custody.
On June 10, 2025, Harris and Sandwell appeared at Crawley Magistrates’ Court, where both pleaded not guilty.
However, ahead of a scheduled trial at Lewes Crown Court on November 3, 2025, they changed their pleas to guilty.
Sentencing took place at Brighton Crown Court on January 30.
Harris was jailed for five years and six months. Sandwell received a sentence of three years.
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.”
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