Major Sussex Drug Ring Masking as Beauty Firm Busted
In a significant blow to organised crime in the Sussex region, a group involved in a sophisticated drug trafficking operation has been brought to justice. The criminal network, which cleverly disguised class A and class B drugs as bath salts and beauty products, aimed to distribute these substances to the USA and Australia using courier services. However, their plans were thwarted as the majority of their shipments were intercepted by authorities both in the UK and abroad, sparking a comprehensive police investigation.
Sussex Police, acting on critical information, raided a location at Truleigh Hill near Shoreham. In a stunning find, officers discovered approximately £1 million worth of MDMA in two holdall bags. This discovery was a pivotal moment in a thorough investigation that led to the conviction of eight individuals for their roles in this elaborate drug ring.
Photo – Sussex Police The culmination of the case was seen at Hove Crown Court on January 12, where the final members of the group received their sentences. The court heard how two bags filled with MDMA were found at stables rented by Jenny Blake in June 2019. Frequent visits by Lee Hudson and Laura Burke to the premises, combined with extensive paperwork and investigatory work, also implicated Matt Hodgson and Benjamin Beal in the operation.
Investigations revealed the group’s attempts to ship packages to Australia and the USA, concealing class A drugs within bath salts packaging. Astonishingly, they had purchased 64 kilograms of bath salts in just one month for this purpose. Every group member was found to be involved in these shipping attempts.
Further investigations led to the implication of Alexander Griffin in the crime ring. Griffin was caught by officers in central Brighton using a “stash” vehicle, which held around 4,000 suspected class A drug tablets, in the Churchill Square shopping centre car park in August 2019. The drugs were estimated to be worth over £320,000. Griffin’s interactions with the Mazirel brothers, Dean and Oliver, led to their subsequent arrests.
Photo – Sussex Police Dean Mazirel, a 39-year-old former construction worker, and Oliver Mazirel, a 35-year-old former landscape gardener, both pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply class A drugs and were sentenced to two and a half years in prison. Alexander Griffin, a 37-year-old former financial consultant, received a six-year prison sentence for conspiring to fraudulently evade legal restrictions.
Benjamin Beal, a 43-year-old former managing director, and Lee Hudson, a 42-year-old former barber, were both found guilty of similar charges and received prison sentences of three years and nine months, and three years and seven months, respectively.
Jenny Blake, a 40-year-old former teacher, and Laura Burke, a 33-year-old former child carer, received suspended prison sentences for their involvement, along with community service and rehabilitation requirements. Matt Hodgson, a 47-year-old unemployed individual, also received a suspended sentence, along with community service and rehabilitation requirements.
Speaking after the case, Acting Detective Inspector Ed Bohnet said: “This was an organised group operating to disguise the transport and sale of large quantities of class A and B drugs from Sussex via courier services.
“Following a thorough investigation, all of the defendants have now been convicted.
“It demonstrates our determination to catch offenders operating in organised groups, and to disrupt drug supply which has such a harmful impact on our communities.”
Read more on www.Sussex.News
Concerns Grow for Missing Man in Worthing
Sussex Police are urgently appealing for information to locate David, a 47-year-old man who has gone missing from his residence in Worthing. He was last seen around 6 a.m. on Wednesday, January 24, and is believed to be on foot. [block_2] David is described as approximately 5 feet 6 inches tall, bald, skinny, and sporting […]
Urgent Appeal to Locate Missing 16-Year-Old Barry
Sussex Police are urgently seeking the public’s assistance in locating a missing 16-year-old named Barry, who has been reported missing from Walberton in West Sussex. [block_2] Barry was last seen in Worthing on Thursday, January 18, and it’s believed he has connections in Kent.
£20,000 Reward for Info on Unsolved Jennifer Kiely Eastbourne Murder
A reward of £20,000 is being put forward in the ongoing investigation into the unresolved murder of Jennifer Kiely, which occurred in Eastbourne in 2005.
Jennifer, who was 35 at the time, was found deceased in a seafront shelter in the early hours of January 22, 2005.
Marking the 19th anniversary of this unsolved case, Sussex police are renewing their appeal for witnesses or anyone with information to step forward.
BBC Crime Watch Appeal In collaboration with the charity Crimestoppers, they are offering up to £20,000 for information that leads to the arrest and successful prosecution of the individual or individuals responsible for this crime.
Detective Chief Inspector Simon Dunn, of the Surrey and Sussex Major Crime Team, said: “This remains an active investigation and Jennifer’s family are desperate for answers, as are we.
“We know the seafront shelter was frequented by the homeless community and we are urging anyone with any information which may assist in our investigation to please come forward.”
Jennifer’s body was found after a fire was reported in the shelter on the lower promenade at Holywell on Eastbourne seafront.
She had sustained multiple stab wounds, her body had been set on fire, and the pushchair she habitually had with her was on top of her body.
Jennifer’s family continue to have the support of Family Liaison Officers from Sussex Police, and her mother, Margaret, who lives in Ireland, has echoed DCI Dunn’s appeal.
She said: “I think of her every day. But on her anniversary I can’t stop, I can’t switch off. Somebody, somewhere, knows who is responsible. Just please come forward and let us know.”
DCI Dunn added: “Jennifer was well known in Eastbourne among charities and had many friends, and she spent the last day of her life with friends at an address in Upperton Gardens. That night she had a bath and left at about midnight, and was last seen at about 1am walking west along the seafront in the direction of Holywell. Her body was found by council workers at 5am.
Photo – Sussex Police “One person we have yet to trace and eliminate from the investigation is a man seen that night walking along the middle of the road at the rear of the Grand Hotel.
“He was described as Eastern European by his accent and appearance. He was about 5’10-11”, of slim to medium build. His hair was a light blond colour, short but in no particular style. His face was round-ish, and he had dominant cheek and jaw lines.
“He was wearing a dark blue short jacket which had a collar and it was zipped right up to beneath his chin. He had also wore a pair of grey jeans and white trainers.
“Jennifer’s family deserve to know what happened to her and who is responsible.”
To qualify for the reward, you can contact Crimestoppers, who are independent from the police, anonymously on 0800 555 111 or report it online.
The investigation has previously been featured on BBC Crimewatch, which featured an interview with former Senior Investigating Officer Emma Heater, who has since retired.
Further information can also be found on the UK Police Major Incident Public Portal.
Read more on www.Sussex.News
Sussex Police Seek Public’s Help After Brighton Dog Attack
Sussex Police are urgently seeking a man linked to a dog attack that occurred outside Prince Regent Swimming Pool, North Road, Brighton, on January 11th, between 5:30 and 5:40 pm.
A 40-year-old woman sustained leg and hand injuries in the incident.
The public is requested to help identify the man involved. Anyone with information or who witnessed the attack should contact police online or call 101, quoting serial 995 of 11/01.
Read more on www.Sussex.News
Concerns Grow for Missing 15-year-old Katie in Shoreham
Sussex Police have launched an urgent appeal for information regarding the whereabouts of 15-year-old Katie, who has been reported missing from Shoreham. As concerns grow for her welfare, authorities are seeking the public’s assistance in locating her. [block_2] Katie is described as being approximately 5 feet 3 inches tall, with a slim build and long […]
Urgent Appeal: Sussex Police Launch Search for Missing 14-Year-Old Katie
Sussex Police have issued an urgent appeal to the public for assistance in locating a missing teenager from the Shoreham area. Fourteen-year-old Katie has been reported missing, and authorities are deeply concerned for her well-being. [block_2] Katie is described as having a slim build and dark hair. At the time of her disappearance, it is […]
Missing Teenager Kyle: Urgent Appeal for Information
Sussex Police in Hastings have issued an urgent appeal for information to help locate missing teenager Kyle, who is just 14 years old. Kyle has also been known to have links to Chessington in Greater London. [block_2] Kyle is described as a white male, approximately 5 feet 4 inches tall, with a slim build, and […]
Man Arrested for Assault in Hastings: Witnesses Sought
In a recent incident in Hastings Town Centre, Patrick Doran, a 41-year-old man residing at Robertson Terrace, Hastings, has been taken into custody on charges of assaulting and sexually assaulting a woman. [block_2] The incident, which occurred on Robertson Street at approximately 5.25 pm on Wednesday, January 17, was initially reported as an altercation between […]
Sussex Police Launch Urgent Search for Missing 27-Year-Old Jordan from Chichester
Chichester, West Sussex – Sussex Police have issued an urgent appeal to the public for information regarding the whereabouts of 27-year-old Jordan, who has been reported missing from the Chichester area. Jordan was last seen around 8:00 PM on Friday, January 19, and authorities are growing increasingly concerned for his well-being. [block_2] According to the […]
Reckless Passenger Causes Severe Crash near Chichester, Sentenced
A serious road incident near Chichester has resulted in a prison sentence for a car passenger. Jake Sharpe, a 28-year-old rear-seat passenger in a Vauxhall, dangerously pulled the handbrake while on the A259 near Bosham, where the speed limit is 60mph. This reckless action caused the driver to lose control, leading the car to veer […]
Three Crawley Town FC Fans Found Guilty, Receive Football Banning Orders
Three fans of football have been found guilty in court for their involvement in disruptive incidents at Crawley Town FC matches. [block_2] Liam Green, aged 18, Benjamin Lanceley, 28, and Yai Prentice, also 18, faced charges related to these events.
Brighton Assault Info Needed – Unidentified Assailant on the Loose
Police are requesting public assistance and information regarding an assault on a teenage boy in Brighton. [block_2] The incident occurred near St Peter’s Church, where the 17-year-old was walking alone. He was approached by an unidentified man at a pedestrian crossing.
Tragic End to Search: Eastbourne’s Dax Found Deceased, Sussex Police Confirm
Sussex Police have reported the sad news that Dax, who was reported missing from Eastbourne since January 17, has been found deceased. [block_2] The announcement brought a tragic end to the search that involved community members and local authorities.
Heartfelt Tributes to Beloved Wadhurst Man Killed in Ticehurst Crash
Heartfelt tributes are being made in memory of a beloved partner and father who sadly passed away following a traffic accident in Ticehurst. [block_2] The accident, which involved a white Honda and a blue Vauxhall, occurred at the intersection of Whiligh and High Street around 12.50pm on December 8. Michael Bartholomew, 80, from Wadhurst, a […]
Witness Appeal: Serious Ninfield Crash Involving Peugeot 107
Police are seeking witnesses to a serious traffic accident that occurred in Ninfield. The event happened on Saturday, January 13, at approximately 11:40 am, involving a silver Peugeot 107 that crashed into a tree. [block_2] The 20-year-old male driver, who was the only person involved in the crash, sustained critical injuries and was subsequently airlifted […]
Appeal for Help to Identify Man in East Grinstead Incident
Sussex Police have issued an appeal for public assistance to identify a man connected to a report of indecent exposure in East Grinstead. The unsettling incident reportedly occurred around 10pm on January 2, near Moat Road. [block_2] Authorities have released an image of the individual they wish to speak with and are urging anyone who […]
Ex-Sussex Police Officer Falsely Reported Assault: Professional Misconduct
A former Sussex police officer faced proven allegations of professional misconduct for falsely claiming to be the victim of a serious assault. Ex-PC Tamzin Duncan, 20, underwent an accelerated misconduct hearing led by the Chief Constable at Sussex Police HQ in Lewes on January 9. [block_2] This type of hearing is conducted when evidence is […]
