Two more 'County Lines' drug dealers have gone to prison for cocaine and heroin offences in West Sussex.
Hazret Avdyli, (left in picture) 26, of Eltham Green Road, London SE9, was arrested on the balcony of a flat he had been visiting in Littlehampton, where he'd been hiding from officers last October, with the 'deal line' phone or what was known as the 'Joey' line, empty of a Sim card, found at his feet.
See the moment our officers found Avdyli attempting to feign innocent puzzlement.
He pleaded guilty in February and on Wednesday 23 March was sentenced at Lewes Crown Court to four years imprisonment for being concerned in the supply of both crack cocaine and heroin in the Littlehampton area from London last year.
Abdullah Omar, (right in picture), 33, of Mountfield Road, London E15, was found guilty at Portsmouth Crown Court on Thursday 24 March of being concerned in the supply of heroin and crack cocaine in the Bognor area. He was sentenced to eight years. He had played a significant role in the running of the 'Henry' drugs line into the area from London.
Omar had only been released from prison on licence in May 2019, half way through an 11 year sentence for the same offending.
Detective Inspector Alan Pack, head of the West Sussex Community Investigation Team said:
"Both these sentencings resulted from close co-operation between ourselves and colleagues in the Metropolitan Police and Surrey Police."
Surrey and Sussex Police say they've been collaborating over the past two years for Operation Centurion, working with the Metropolitan Police in London, in order to clamp down on 'county lines' dealers.
They say that, in the 18 months since the team’s inception, they contributed to more than 140 lines being disrupted, and to arrests of more than 260 individuals across both counties.
The work involves mobile phone analysis, which is critical in targeting the most significant members of organised crime groups.
Alan Pack adds:
"County Line drug dealing continues to be a threat across Sussex. The force's primary concern remains the exploitation and trafficking of vulnerable adults and children and we continue to put dealers under more pressure every month."
Police advice:
"Trust your instincts – if somebody shows signs of mistreatment, or a child seems to be travelling long distances or is unfamiliar with a locality, you can report suspicions to local police on 101 or online or to British Transport Police on 0800 40 50 40 if you see something on the railway network".
"There are also many sources of further advice and assistance to help combat the harm caused by drugs. Safe Space Sussex takes you to all the local organisations who provide support for those affected by drugs misuse."
For further information on County Lines see the Sussex Police website.
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