Two Sentenced Over Class A Drug Supply In Crawley

Two men have been sentenced for their roles in supplying class A drugs in Crawley.

Police completed a warrant at an address where a large amount of cash and drugs were found.

A golf ball size package containing wraps of drugs was thrown from a window during the warrant.

Officers found more wraps inside and nearly £6,000 in cash.

It was part of a countywide week of action to disrupt drugs supply and to safeguard vulnerable individuals during County Lines Intensification Week.

In West Sussex officers worked alongside partner agencies and forces to complete ten warrants, seize £12,000 in cash, 17 phones, 12 knives, and one vehicle. A total of 37 arrests were made, while 26 children and 20 vulnerable adults were safeguarded.

Ali Abdiqadir, 25, of Braemar Avenue, Brent, London, and Bashir Mohammed, 27, of Canterbury Terrace, Brent, London, were arrested and charged.

They admitted possession of crack cocaine with intent to supply, acquiring, using or possessing criminal property (money laundering), and possession of cannabis at a hearing on 12 March.

They were remanded in custody for sentencing at Lewes Crown Court on 27 April.

Abdiqadir was sentenced for two years in prison for his role, while Mohammed was sentenced to a two-year suspended prison sentence. He was ordered to complete 100 hours of unpaid work, 10 rehabilitation activity requirement sessions, and pay a £187 surcharge.

A sum of £5,945 was seized under the Proceeds of Crime Act.

Speaking after the case, Chief Superintendent Imran Asghar said:

“We know that organised criminal groups exploit vulnerable and young people to supply drugs which cause immense harm in our communities.

“These individuals from London were operating from a shared rental home in Crawley. The cash and drugs seized from the address show it was a significant group operating in Crawley.

“We are determined to disrupt the supply of drugs from organised crime groups, and this case demonstrates another successful police operation to tackle an organised group.

“Both men admitted their roles, and one is now serving a custodial sentence. We will continue to pursue offenders and bring them before the courts.”