Drug dealer sentenced after Horsham search
Police completed a search of an address in the town, where a young child in Shamel Sudeene-Darien's care was found alone
Last updated 31st Mar 2025
A drug dealer who was found in possession of drugs in Horsham has been sentenced.
Shamel Sudeene-Darien was stopped by officers in the town centre on suspicion of drug dealing.
He was found to have five wraps of suspected heroin and six wraps of suspected crack cocaine.
Police completed a search of a rented address in the town, where a young child in his care was found alone.
The address contained drugs, cash, weapons, and hazards for a young toddler.
Police say they ensured appropriate safeguarding was put in place to ensure the toddler was safe.
Sudeene-Darien, 27, unemployed and formerly of an address in Penge, London, was charged with nine offences.
These included possession of class A drugs with intent to supply (namely heroin and crack cocaine), being concerned in the supply of heroin and crack cocaine, being concerned in the supply of cannabis, acquiring, using or possessing criminal property, possession of an offensive weapon in public (namely a screwdriver), and child neglect.
At Lewes Crown Court on March 11, he was sentenced to a total of three years in prison.
The court was told how officers suspected Sudeene-Darien of drug dealing and detained him for a search at 5pm on January 20 this year.
Police say he was found with wraps of suspected drugs in his possession as well as a screwdriver, and a burner mobile phone linked to County Lines drug dealing.
Speaking after the case, Detective Inspector Rebecca Hopkins said: “Officers carried out a search under the Misuse of Drugs Act, and found evidence that Sudeene-Darien was working as part of a County Lines drugs group in Horsham.
“The further search was concerning because a toddler in his care had been left alone in a rented address.
“There were hazards in the address which included access to an unlocked rooftop balcony, uncovered electrical sockets, and loose wires from a television and lamp.
“Most worryingly, there were also wraps of class A drugs in the property that would be easily swallowable for a young child.
“There was no accessible food or water for the child, overall it was not a safe place for the child to be in.
“Officers acted professionally to ensure the child was appropriately safeguarded while Sudeene-Darien was in custody.
“This case shows our determination to disrupt County Lines drugs groups who cause harm in our communities.
“We are pleased that because of our investigation, Sudeene-Darien had no choice but to plead guilty when presented with the evidence in court.”