Following a targeted operation against County Lines drug trafficking, a man has been sentenced to prison.
During the execution of a Misuse of Drugs Act warrant in Crawley, officers apprehended local drug dealer Liam Batchelor.
Batchelor was pinpointed for running a narcotics operation that distributed heroin and crack cocaine to at-risk individuals in the vicinity.
The 37-year-old, known among his contacts as ‘Tilgate Liam’, was apprehended with six mobile phones. Examination of these devices provided conclusive evidence of his illicit endeavors.
He faced charges for his involvement in the distribution of crack cocaine and heroin. After admitting guilt, he received a prison sentence of three years and nine months from Lewes Crown Court on January 12.
PC Dave Oliver, of the Op Centurion team, said: “This is another great result in our continued efforts to target prolific drug dealers and protect vulnerable drug users in Crawley.
“It is essential we catch criminals before they have the opportunity to escape or conceal evidence, and sometimes this involves executing a pre-planned warrant.
“This case demonstrates that we could be coming for you anywhere, at any time.”
Batchelor, of Boswell Road, Tilgate, was arrested as part of Operation Ruby – a crackdown on County Lines drug-dealing in Crawley in December.
A number of other suspects were also arrested and are due to appear in court over the next few months.
