Drug Dealer Who Used Taxi To Supply Cocaine Jailed

A drug dealer who used a private hire taxi to supply cocaine to customers has been jailed.

Ergys Rexha was spotted by officers getting out of the vehicle in Yapton to meet a buyer, before returning less than a minute later to be driven to another location.

He was stopped by officers from the Specialist Enforcement Unit and searched under the Misuse of Drugs Act.

Police initially found 13 vials of cocaine hidden inside a cigarette packet in his pocket.

A further search in custody uncovered another 12 vials concealed in his underwear.

Following an investigation by Chichester and Arun CID, the 37-year-old was charged with possession with intent to supply cocaine.

He admitted the offence at Lewes Crown Court on 13 April and was sentenced to two years in prison.

The court heard how officers witnessed what they believed to be a drug deal involving a passenger in a white Mercedes taxi at around 7.30pm on 13 March.

The vehicle was stopped nearby in Bittern Avenue, where Rexha, of no fixed address, was arrested.

The arrest came during County Lines Intensification Week, a national crackdown on drug dealing networks.

In West Sussex, officers worked alongside partner agencies to carry out ten warrants, seizing £12,000 in cash, 17 mobile phones, 12 knives and a vehicle.

A total of 37 arrests were made, while 26 children and 20 vulnerable adults were safeguarded.

Detective Inspector Jason Parry said:

“We are continuing our work to disrupt the supply of drugs which cause so much harm across Arun District.

“This case demonstrates our determination to catch offenders and ensure they are prosecuted.

"We are pleased that Rexha is now serving a custodial sentence.”

Chief Superintendent Imran Asghar added:

“Our officers work all year round to disrupt the supply of drugs which cause so much harm in our communities, and to relentlessly target offenders who prey on vulnerable children and adults.

“County Lines is a form of drug dealing where organised crime groups use dedicated phone lines to supply drugs.

“These groups exploit vulnerable and young people, grooming and coercing them as runners, or taking over the homes of vulnerable people to use as bases for their operations.

“The harm caused by County Lines activity is significant, both for those being exploited and for communities across West Sussex.”