Two Jailed For Supply Of Heroin And Crack Cocaine In Chichester

Friday, 8 March 2024 17:23

Two men have been convicted for supplying class A drugs in West Sussex.

Officers from the Specialist Enforcement Unit (SEU) responded to a suspicious vehicle returning to the county from London.

The vehicle was stopped at Houghton Hill by the SEU officers, assisted by response officers and officers from the Roads Policing Unit.

The driver was Gary Bendall, and the passenger was Nazmul Miah.

Phones linked to Bendall showed extensive drug dealing in the Chichester area.

Meanwhile Miah handed over wraps of class A drugs worth £7,500 which he had concealed in his underwear.

At Lewes Crown Court on February 16, both men were convicted and sentenced.

The court was told how the SEU officers completed the vehicle stop on May 9 last year.

Phone messages showed extensive drug dealing linked to both men.

An investigation was completed by detectives from Chichester CID and both men were charged.

Bendall, 37, of Meaden Way, Felpham, admitted 'being concerned in the supply' of diamorphine (heroin) a class A drug, and 'being concerned in the supply' of crack cocaine, also a class A drug.

He was sentenced to three and a half years in prison.

Miah, 43, of St James Square, Chichester, admitted possessing class A drugs with intent to supply, and possession of criminal property.

He was sentenced to two years and eight months in prison.

Speaking after the case, Detective Sergeant Rebecca Hopkins said:

“Our investigation showed that the two defendants were heavily involved in supplying drugs in West Sussex.

“The evidence meant they had no choice but to plead guilty to the charges in court.

“We are pleased that they have been sentenced, and that two men who were concerned in supplying class A drugs which cause so much harm are now behind bars.”

SEU Inspector Ollie Pullen said:

“This case demonstrates the determination of officers from the Specialist Enforcement Unit to deny criminals the use of the road network and to disrupt the supply of drugs into our communities.”