Drug Dealer Jailed For Ten Years After Four-Year International Manhunt

A man who fled the UK while under investigation for serious drug offences has been jailed for 10 years after being extradited from Georgia.

Andrew Prince, 29, of no fixed address, admitted conspiring to supply Class A, B and C drugs, as well as assault occasioning actual bodily harm.

The investigation began in February 2022 when officers uncovered evidence of a drugs operation during enquiries at a property in Hastings.

Detectives later linked Prince to the offences, but found he had fled the country.

Working with the National Crime Agency and international partners, Sussex Police traced Prince to Tbilisi, Georgia, where he was arrested in March this year before being extradited to the UK.

At Lewes Crown Court, he was sentenced to nine years in prison for the drug offences, with a further consecutive year for assault.

Detective Superintendent Jay Mendis-Gunasekera said Prince believed he could evade justice by leaving the UK, but praised officers and partner agencies for ensuring he was brought back to face the courts.