Two men sentenced in Crawley drug supply operation following police crackdown
Officers seize drugs, cash, and weapons during countywide “County Lines” intensification effort
Two men have been sentenced for their involvement in supplying Class A drugs in Crawley following a police investigation that uncovered significant quantities of drugs and cash during a targeted warrant.
Officers carried out a search at a property where they discovered a substantial amount of illegal substances and nearly £6,000 in cash. During the operation, a golf ball-sized package containing multiple wraps of drugs was thrown out of a window in an attempt to dispose of evidence. Further drug wraps were later recovered inside the address.
The enforcement action formed part of a wider countywide initiative aimed at disrupting drug supply networks and protecting vulnerable people during County Lines Intensification Week.
Across West Sussex, police worked in partnership with other agencies and forces to execute ten warrants. The coordinated operation resulted in the seizure of £12,000 in cash, 17 mobile phones, 12 knives, and one vehicle. In total, 37 people were arrested, and safeguarding measures were put in place for 26 children and 20 vulnerable adults.
Ali Abdiqadir, 25, of Braemar Avenue in Brent, London, and Bashir Mohammed, 27, of Canterbury Terrace, Brent, London, were arrested and charged in connection with the investigation.
Both defendants admitted offences including possession of crack cocaine with intent to supply, money laundering, and possession of cannabis during a hearing on 12 March. They were remanded in custody ahead of sentencing at Lewes Crown Court on 27 April.
At sentencing, Abdiqadir received a two-year prison term for his role in the offences. Mohammed was handed a two-year suspended sentence and ordered to complete 100 hours of unpaid work, attend 10 rehabilitation 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.”