Drug Dealer Exploits Vulnerable Teen in Brighton Sting
Brighton cops caught a 26-year-old drug dealer preying on a 16-year-old missing girl. The jaw-dropping arrest happened after officers spotted the vulnerable teen dealing Class A drugs near St Mary’s Passage and Easter Road on February 25, 2021.
Police Raid Uncovers Huge Drug Haul
The girl returned to a hotel in Upper Rock Gardens, where police forced entry into a room. Inside, they found Giuseppe Carella from Baker Street, Brighton, sitting on a stash of 128 wraps of Class A drugs, over £1,600 cash, scales, cling film, and several mobile phones used for the drug operation.
Text messages revealed Carella was running the ‘Max’ county drugs line, with the teen forced to work for him. His messages showed a chilling pattern of emotional manipulation to control her.
Long List of Charges and Six-Year Sentence
Carella was charged with multiple offences including possession with intent to supply Class A drugs, trafficking a victim under the Modern Slavery Act, possession of a knife and prohibited weapons, and facilitating travel for exploitation.
He pleaded guilty in March 2021 and was locked up for six years at Lewes Crown Court on June 10. On top of this, Carella received a 10-year Slavery and Trafficking Prevention Order banning him from owning phones or computers without police registration. He must also notify police of any address changes.
Police Praise Team Behind Bust
Not only did Carella exploit a vulnerable girl, he tried to claim he was a victim himself – a lie Sussex Police swiftly disproved,” said Detective Constable Rachel Piggott.
Detective Inspector Dee Wells added, “Thanks to the hard work of officers and staff, we’ve safeguarded this young person and taken a dangerous criminal off the streets.”
“The drug trade is closely linked with violence and exploitation. We will keep working relentlessly to stop offenders and protect victims.”
The teenage victim now receives community support and is under health services care. Brighton’s police have sent a strong warning to drug dealers exploiting the vulnerable in their city.
