Man sentenced following drugs raids in East Sussex and London

Another man has been sentenced following a number of drug raids across East Sussex and London in May.

Omar Lofty, 27, of Buckingham Road, London, NW10, was given a ten year and eight months sentence at Lewes Crown Court on Friday 15 July, after pleading guilty to being concerned in supply of cocaine.

Officers seized from him quantities of crack cocaine, heroin, cocaine and cannabis with a total estimated potential street value of up to £1,125, 000, and a total of £154,430.22 cash.

Detective Sergeant Greg Montier said: “This is yet another positive outcome that shows the effective collaborative working between three police forces, as part of our determination to disrupt those responsible for county lines drug dealing which has a large negative impact on local people and local services.

“Our primary focus remains on reducing the harm that comes from the drugs trade, including drug deaths and the exploitation of vulnerable adults and children. We continue to put dealers under more pressure every month.”

Lofty had been been arrested on Wednesday, May 4, at his home address, as part of a series of dawn raids at addresses in Eastbourne, Hastings and London.

Sussex Police, supported by London's Metropolitan Police and Surrey Police, led the execution of 19 drugs warrants, resulting in 18 arrests on suspicion of involvement in the supply of Class A drugs.

Some 5,000 wraps of crack cocaine and heroin were seized during the raids, as well as 7kg of cocaine, 2kg of heroin, £300,000 in cash and four phones suspected of being used in the running of county drugs lines between Sussex, Surrey and Norwich.

You can help combat this evil trade. See details at the Sussex Police website. 

There are also many sources of further advice and assistance to help combat the harm caused by drugs. Safe Space Sussex takes you to all the local organisations who provide support for those affected by drugs misuse.