Joel Henry, a 40-year-old convicted drug dealer, has been sentenced to seven years’ imprisonment after being found guilty of distributing crack cocaine and heroin. The verdict followed a four-day trial at Chichester Crown Court.
Daily Commute for Illegal Activities
Henry’s criminal activities involved a daily commute between his home in Lakeview Road, Lambeth, London, and Hastings. He targeted vulnerable users on the streets, peddling dangerous Class A drugs. His arrest in St Leonards on November 8th revealed that he was in possession of a burner-style mobile phone, which further linked him to drug distribution.
Bulk Messages Advertising Illegal Substances
Data analysis revealed that Henry had been sending out bulk messages advertising the sale of crack cocaine and heroin. His actions posed a significant threat to the safety and well-being of the community in both London and Hastings.
Previous Convictions and Mandatory Sentences
This was not Henry’s first encounter with the law. He already had two previous convictions related to the supply of Class A drugs. As a result, this third conviction triggered a mandatory seven-year prison sentence.
Successful Joint Investigation
The successful prosecution was the result of a joint investigation involving Op Orochi officers from the Metropolitan Police, Sussex Police, and Surrey Police Op Centurion, along with officers from Project ADDER based in Hastings. Their collaborative efforts led to the removal of a dangerous drug dealer from the streets.
Commitment to Tackling Drug Crime
Investigator Julian Stokes, part of the Project ADDER team, emphasised their commitment to identifying County Lines and stopping those involved in drug trafficking.
