A large-scale police operation in Crawley has resulted in significant action against drug-related crime. Over a two-week period, authorities conducted a focused effort to disrupt County Lines operations, a term referring to drug distribution networks that extend across county borders. During the operation, substantial quantities of illegal drugs were confiscated, including around 300 wraps of heroin, 352 wraps of cocaine, and 380 grams of cannabis. Additionally, law enforcement seized 49 mobile phones, five weapons, and £27,645 in cash.
This operation was a collaborative effort involving multiple teams: the Op Centurion team, Crawley CID, the Crawley Neighbourhood Policing Team, and the Met Police’s Op Orochi team. The operation spanned from November 27 to December 8 and was part of the newly launched Stronger Safer Crawley initiative. This initiative aims to combat serious organized crime and provide protection for vulnerable community members.
The outcome of this operation was significant: 18 County Lines were disrupted, resulting in 19 arrests. Of those arrested, 14 suspects have been charged. This marks a noteworthy step in addressing the challenges posed by drug trafficking and organized crime in the area
- Ethan Johnson, 22, of Belmont Park, Lewisham, is charged with being concerned in the supply of crack cocaine and heroin. He is due to appear before Lewes Crown Court on 3 January.
- Harley Spouse, 21, of Charlieville Road, Bexley, is charged with being concerned in the supply of crack cocaine and heroin. He is due to appear before Lewes Crown Court on 3 January.
- Ismael Cassama, 23, of Blessington Road, Lewisham, is charged with being concerned in the supply of crack cocaine and heroin. He is due to appear before Lewes Crown Court on 3 January.
- Michelle Stephens, 46, of Henderson Way, Horsham, is charged with being concerned in the supply of crack cocaine and heroin. She is due to appear before Lewes Crown Court on 3 January.
- David Hedges, 53, of Barfields, Bletchingley, Surrey, is charged with being concerned in the supply of crack cocaine and heroin, assaulting a police officer, and possession of crack cocaine, cannabis and an offensive weapon (butterfly knife). He is due to appear before Brighton Crown Court on 2 January.
- Liam Batchelor, 37, of Boswell Road, Crawley, is charged with being concerned in the supply of crack cocaine and heroin. He is due to appear before a court yet to be confirmed on 5 January.
- Mbye Conteh, 33, of Wantage Close, Maidenbower, is charged with being concerned in the supply of crack cocaine and heroin, and possession of criminal property. He is due to appear before a court yet to be confirmed on 5 January.
- Darelle Jaffa, 35, of Horsham Road, Crawley, is charged with being concerned in the supply of crack cocaine and heroin. He is due to appear before a court yet to be confirmed on 4 January.
- Rhys Nunes, 24, of Scutari Road, Southwark, is charged with being concerned in the supply of crack cocaine and heroin, and possession with intent to supply crack cocaine. He is due to appear before a court yet to be confirmed on 4 January.
- Mark Darko, 26, of Canal Walk, Croydon, is charged with being concerned in the supply of crack cocaine and heroin, and possession with intent to supply crack cocaine. He is due to appear before a court yet to be confirmed on 4 January.
- Charlie Harris, 21, of Warrington Close, Crawley, is charged with being concerned in the supply of crack cocaine and heroin. He is due to appear before a court yet to be confirmed on 4 January.
- Josh Frasier, 29, of Arun Valley Way, Faygate, is charged with being concerned in the supply of crack cocaine and heroin, and failing to provide a sample under section 5a of the Road Traffic Act. He is due to appear before a court yet to be confirmed on 4 January.
- Coralie Wadsworth, 45, of Ashdown Drive, Crawley, is charged with being concerned in the supply of crack cocaine and heroin. She is due to appear before a court yet to be confirmed on 4 January.
- Hans Narainen, 19, of Goodwin Close, Crawley, is charged with being concerned in the supply of crack cocaine and heroin, possession with intent to heroin and crack cocaine, and possession of cannabis. He is due to appear before a court yet to be confirmed on 5 January.
PC Dave Oliver, who led the operation, said: “We will continue to act on information and intelligence to disrupt County Lines drug-dealing, crack down on offenders and protect those most at risk of harm in our community.”
