London Drug Dealer Jailed for Running Hastings Crack and Heroin Operation
A London man who made daily trips to Hastings to peddle Class A drugs has been locked up. Joel Henry, 40, from Lambeth, was convicted of supplying crack cocaine and heroin after a four-day trial at Chichester Crown Court on April 25.
Sophisticated County Lines Drug Network Busted
Henry ran a slick drug operation targeting vulnerable people in Hastings. Police caught him on November 8 in St Leonards, uncovering his frequent travels between London and Hastings. He used a burner phone to coordinate his illegal operations, sending bulk texts to buyers to flog heroin and crack cocaine.
Prosecutors used detailed phone data to expose Henry’s spamming tactics, helping seal his fate. This evidence was key in convincing the jury to convict him.
Seven Years Behind Bars for Repeat Offender
Investigator Julian Stokes of Project ADDER praised the joint effort by Met Police, Sussex Police, Surrey Police, and Project ADDER officers. He said: “This was another successful investigation to get a dangerous Class A dealer off the streets of Hastings and St Leonards.”
Henry, with two previous convictions for Class A supply, faced a mandatory minimum sentence. He was handed seven years in prison for this third offence.
Police Warn: County Lines Dealers Face Tough Justice
Stokes added: “We will keep targeting County Lines and those dealing deadly Class A drugs in our communities.” He stressed the sentencing sends a clear message that the courts are serious about locking up those who poison our streets.
