‘Tasty’ drugs line shut down and two dealers jailed

Zak Marsden (left) and Joel St Pierre (right)

Two drug-dealers have been jailed after a prolific County Drugs Line was shut down by police.

On Wednesday 11 October, police observed a suspected drugs deal take place in the vicinity of Max Miller Walk – the public walkway above Madeira Drive in Brighton.

A man was seen to get into a vehicle, which was subsequently stopped by officers. The occupants were searched and detained, and a quantity of cash, drugs and mobile phones were seized.

Two officers were assaulted in the process.

Zak Marsden, 34, of Normandy Road, Hastings, was arrested and charged with being concerned in the supply of crack cocaine and heroin.

Joel St Pierre, 31, of Goodwood Way, Brighton, was arrested and charged with possession with intent to supply cocaine and heroin, and assault on an emergency worker.

Both men were remanded in custody to appear before Lewes Crown Court on 10 November, and later pleaded guilty to the offences.

At Lewes Crown Court on Tuesday 2 April, Marsden was sentenced to four years and six months’ imprisonment.

At Lewes Crown Court on Wednesday 6 March, St Pierre was sentenced to two years and nine months’ imprisonment.

Both defendants were arrested as part of Sussex Police’s County Lines Intensification Week in October.

As a result, the ‘Tasty’ drugs line was intercepted and shut down.

Find out more about County Lines, including what you can do to help, here.