Drugs, danger and a toddler left alone: Horsham man locked up
County Lines dealer caught with heroin and crack
Shamel Sudeene-Darien, 27, was stopped by police in Horsham town centre on January 20. He had heroin and crack cocaine wraps, a burner phone, and a screwdriver on him. The former Penge, London resident was immediately under suspicion.
Toddler found alone in flat full of hazards
A search of a nearby rented flat revealed a shocking scene. A toddler in Sudeene-Darien’s care was left alone amid £1,000 cash, 154 wraps of crack cocaine hidden in a black glove, and serious safety risks. Officers found exposed wires, an unlocked rooftop balcony, no food or water for the child, and generally dangerous conditions.
Jail time for drugs, weapons, and neglect
Charged with nine offences including drug supply, possession of an offensive weapon, and child neglect, Sudeene-Darien appeared at Lewes Crown Court on March 11. He was handed a three-year prison sentence.
“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.” — Detective Inspector Rebecca Hopkins
Police strike blow against County Lines drug gang
Detective Inspector Rebecca Hopkins confirmed that this was part of a wider County Lines drug operation in Horsham. She praised the officers for safeguarding the child and securing a guilty plea thanks to the evidence gathered.
“This case shows our determination to disrupt County Lines drugs groups who cause harm in our communities,” Hopkins said.
