Two Men Jailed For Running ‘Charlie’ Drug Line Across Sussex

Two men have been jailed for running the ‘Charlie’ drug line following an investigation by Sussex Police.

Charlie Harris, 23, of Johnson Walk in Crawley, and Ross Sandwell, 42, of Suez Way in Saltdean, were identified as being behind the Class A drugs operation after officers gathered mobile phone intelligence in May last year.

Police established that Harris acted as the controller of the line, while Sandwell was responsible for holding the mobile phone used to run the operation.

Warrants Executed In Brighton And Crawley

On Monday 14 May 2025, officers from Sussex Police and the Metropolitan Police executed warrants at addresses in Suez Way, Brighton, and Johnson Walk, Crawley.

At the Crawley address, officers seized three mobile phones, two SIM cards, a quantity of cannabis and £245 in cash.

Harris was arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs. He was later recalled to prison, having been released on licence while serving a sentence for a previous drug supply conviction in May 2024.

During the warrant in Suez Way, officers recovered two mobile phones and a quantity of cannabis.

Sandwell was arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs and possession of a Class B drug.

Guilty Pleas Ahead Of Trial

The following day, both men were charged with being concerned in the supply of crack cocaine, possession of a Class B drug and being concerned in the offer to supply heroin.

They appeared at Crawley Magistrates’ Court and were remanded in custody.

On 10 June 2025, both defendants pleaded not guilty at Crawley Magistrates’ Court.

However, ahead of a trial listed at Lewes Crown Court on 3 November 2025, they changed their pleas to guilty.

Instead, they appeared at Brighton Crown Court on 30 January this year for sentencing.

Harris was jailed for five years and six months.

Sandwell was sentenced to three years in prison.

‘Immense Harm To Our Communities’

Detective Constable Bav Chahal, the officer in charge of the case, said:

“Illicit drugs and the drug lines that supply them cause immense harm to our communities and often to those who are most vulnerable.

“I am pleased to see this supply of illegal drugs disrupted and those responsible brought to justice.

“Our pursuit of offenders operating drug lines remains relentless as we strive to protect communities across Sussex.”