County Lines Drug Dealer Locked Up for Nearly Five Years
Tonderai Magaya, 23, from Norcross Close, Hastings, has been handed a hefty 56-month prison sentence at Lewes Crown Court. He must also serve a previously suspended 12-month sentence consecutively. On top of this, Magaya faces a £156 victim surcharge, and his stash of drugs, phones, and paraphernalia will be destroyed.
Major Drugs Bust Hits Sussex and Beyond
Magaya’s arrest was part of a large-scale crackdown involving dawn raids across Eastbourne, Hastings, and London. Sussex Police, working with the Met Police and Surrey Police, smashed a dangerous county lines operation. The raids saw 19 drug warrant executions and 18 arrests for Class A drug supply.
- Seized goods included 5,000 wraps of crack cocaine and heroin
- 7kg of cocaine and 2kg of heroin confiscated
- £300,000 cash and four phones linked to drug dealing were taken
Detective Constable David Brown said: “This sentencing highlights our joint commitment to disrupt county lines dealers. Class A supply has a devastating impact on communities and services. Our priority remains protecting vulnerable adults and children from exploitation.”
Spot the Signs: Help Police Tackle County Lines
Police urge the public to stay alert. If you notice signs of child exploitation or suspicious behaviour—like children travelling long distances or looking unfamiliar in an area—report it immediately. You can call your local police on 101, contact British Transport Police on 0800 40 50 40 if on the railway network, or report online.
For those needing support or advice on drug-related harm, Safe Space Sussex connects you to local organisations ready to help. Stay vigilant and support the fight against county lines crime.
