A man from Dagenham has been accused of dealing Class A substances after being caught driving through Findon carrying packages of cocaine.
Xhonatan Matei, aged 37, residing at Shortcrofts Road in Dagenham, was pulled over after his vehicle was observed behaving suspiciously by officers on the A24 on Friday, 21 April.
Upon searching, police discovered 250g of cocaine and several mobile phones in his possession.
A search of a property associated with Matei led to the discovery of additional cocaine, mobile phones, and various items of drug paraphernalia.
Matei was arrested and later charged with involvement in the supply of cocaine, possession with intent to distribute Class A drugs (cocaine), and possession of a Class B drug (cannabis).
He appeared at Crawley Magistrates’ Court on Monday (24 April) and is to be held in custody until a trial scheduled for 22nd May at a yet-to-be-determined court.
Chief Inspector Nick Bowman, District Commander for Chichester and Arun, stated: “Every gram of cocaine removed from our streets helps shield our communities from the damage caused by the illicit drug trade.
“The supply of drugs supports a broad range of criminal activities in our neighbourhoods, and we are dedicated, along with our community partners, to disrupting this practice and protecting those most vulnerable.”
