Four men have been sentenced to a total of more than 30 years in prison after a Sussex Police drugs operation netted a huge quantity of high purity cocaine.
Two were found guilty of conspiracy to supply cocaine after a trial at Hove Crown Court. The other two had previously pleaded guilty to the same offence.
Sentencing took place at Hove Crown Court today (Friday January 13).
Albert Mouhtiseb, 28, a shop worker, from South Croydon, who had pleaded not guilty, was sentenced to seven years; Darren Henwood, 37, a car salesman, from Faygate, who had pleaded guilty, was sentenced to six-and-a-half years; Andrew Billings, 33, a motor dealer, from Bracklesham Bay, who had pleaded not guilty, was sentenced to six and a half years, and Charles Smith, 41, unemployed of Cuckfield, who had pleaded not guilty, was sentenced to four years.
Sentencings for Barry Harlow, 65, of East Preston, who had pleaded guilty, and Mark Taylor, 36, of no fixed address, who had also pleaded guilty, were adjourned to dates yet to be set.
An operation carried out by the Serious and Organised Crime Unit resulted in Harlow and Mouhtiseb being arrested in the car park of the Cottesmore Golf and Country Club, Buchan Hill,Pease Pottage, near Crawley, on April 1.
A package containing cocaine with a potential estimated street value of some £450,000 when cut was seized from Harlow’s car whilst in the other car being used by Mouhtiseb officers seized £24,000 cash.
Detectives also went to a business unit at nearby White Herons Farm, Forest Road, Colgate and arrested Henwood, Billings and Smith.
Equipment for use in cutting and preparing cocaine for distribution was discovered.
Taylor was arrested later as a result of further enquiries.
Detective Chief Inspector Ali Eaton said; “Henwood was the ringleader of this group, closely supported byBillings, withHarlowacting as a courier.Taylorhad passed the drugs on to Mouhtiseb, who was also a key member, for onward sale to Henwood and no doubt for later distribution when cut on to the streets ofSussex. It was particularly satisfying for us to be able to dismantle an entire drugs distribution operation from initial couriers to the principal and his associates. Criminals like this need to know that we will relentlessly target them and bring them to justice, in the interests of all law abiding people and local communities.”