Brighton Drug Dealer Busted and Jailed for Seven Years
A Brighton man has been locked up for seven years following a major police crackdown on Class A drug supply in the city.
High-Speed Police Chase and Huge Drug Haul
Lee Jones, 32, of Richmond Terrace, Brighton, was caught after a dramatic chase. On 14 February 2019, a suspect vehicle refused to stop for Sussex Police in Rottingdean and sped away. The car was later abandoned in Findon Road.
Police found a stash of drugs outside the vehicle – including heroin and cocaine worth around £16,000 on the street. A jacket left behind was forensically tested, matching Jones’s DNA. Packaging from the heroin and crack cocaine also linked him directly to the drugs.
More Police Encounters and Cash Seizures
On 4 October 2019, officers spotted another suspect car in central Brighton. The vehicle didn’t stop and two men fled on foot near Queens Road. Jones was arrested nearby with over £2,500 in cash. Two large wraps of heroin found in the vehicle were again DNA-matched to him.
Raid Uncovers Even More Drugs and Cash
Officers executed a warrant at Jones’s Richmond Terrace home on 2 November 2020. Jones appeared at the door holding a black bag loaded with a large quantity of heroin and cocaine. He also had around £2,650 on him.
Police seized a further £3,600 and additional Class A drugs from the property. Jones was charged with supply of crack cocaine and heroin, as well as possession of criminal property.
Seven Years Behind Bars
Jones pleaded guilty and was sentenced to seven years in prison.
Detective Mark Pinder, Brighton and Hove Community Investigation Team, said: “This was a lengthy and complex investigation and I thank the officers involved for securing this conviction.
“Those who peddle illegal drugs and harm our communities will not be tolerated. Keeping the public safe is our top priority. We are pleased the court has handed down a tough sentence and urge anyone with information about drug dealing to come forward.”
