Four “Professional Drug Dealers” Jailed For More Than 48 Years
- More Radio Writer
- 6 hours ago
- 2 min read
Four men described as “professional drug dealers” have been jailed for a combined total of more than 48 years following a major investigation into drug supply across Sussex.
Mitch Mellor, 44, Ioannis Melitsis, 48, Steven Morley, 46, and Hafiz Irfan, 44, all admitted multiple offences linked to the large-scale supply of Class A and B drugs.
The case was uncovered as part of a National Crime Agency operation targeting encrypted messaging platform EncroChat, which was widely used by organised crime groups.
At Lewes Crown Court on Tuesday 17 March, the four men were sentenced for their roles in the operation:
Steven Morley, of East Grinstead, was jailed for 14 years after admitting 11 offences, including drug supply, production, firearm possession and fraud-related charges.
Hafiz Irfan, of Crawley, received nine years after pleading guilty to drugs offences and money laundering.
Mitch Mellor, of Lancing, was sentenced to 13-and-a-half years for offences including supplying cocaine, cannabis and MDMA, as well as money laundering.
Ioannis Melitsis, of Hove, was jailed for 12 years after admitting multiple offences involving the supply and production of drugs.
The court heard how the group used encrypted devices to organise their activities and avoid detection, operating both together and independently to maximise profits.
Sentencing, His Honour Judge Stephen Mooney said the men showed no regard for the harm caused by drugs, describing them as motivated purely by financial gain.
Chief Superintendent Imran Asghar said the case followed a complex investigation by Sussex Police’s Serious Organised Crime Unit, targeting a sophisticated network involved in the supply and production of drugs.
He added that such criminal activity often exploits vulnerable people, and said officers remain committed to disrupting organised crime and protecting communities.
Police say the investigation led to all four men pleading guilty and receiving significant prison sentences.
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