DRUGS OPERATION Drug dealer who fled to Georgia extradited back to UK and jailed for 10 years

A drug dealer who fled the UK while under investigation has been jailed for 10 years after being tracked down in Georgia and extradited back to Britain.

Andrew Prince, 29, of no fixed address, was sentenced at Lewes Crown Court on Thursday, 9 July, after admitting a series of serious offences, including conspiring to supply Class A, B and C drugs, as well as assault occasioning actual bodily harm (ABH).

Prince spent around four years on the run after leaving the UK shortly after his arrest in February 2022.

Drugs operation uncovered

The investigation began on 24 February 2022 when Sussex Police officers attended an address in Wellington Road, Hastings, in connection with an unrelated matter.

During forensic examinations at the property, detectives uncovered evidence of what they described as an established operation involved in the production and supply of controlled drugs.

Further enquiries linked Prince to the offences, but investigators soon established he had fled the country.

International manhunt

Working alongside the National Crime Agency, the National Extradition Unit and international law enforcement partners, detectives traced Prince to Tbilisi, Georgia.

He was arrested there on 3 March 2026 before being extradited to the UK on 15 April 2026.

On his return, Prince was arrested by Sussex Police officers, charged and remanded into custody.

Guilty pleas

Appearing before Lewes Crown Court on 25 May 2026, Prince pleaded guilty to:

• Eight counts of conspiracy to supply Class A drugs.
• One count of conspiracy to supply a Class B drug.
• One count of conspiracy to supply a Class C drug.
• One count of conspiracy to possess a counterfeit currency note with intent.
• One count of assault occasioning actual bodily harm against a woman in relation to an offence committed overseas.

Sentenced to 10 years

Judge sentenced Prince to nine years’ imprisonment for the drugs offences, together with a consecutive one-year prison sentence for the assault, bringing the total sentence to 10 years.

Detectives said Prince played a significant role in the supply of illegal drugs across the Hastings area and was linked to violence associated with organised criminality.

Police statement

Detective Superintendent Jay Mendis-Gunasekera said:

“Andrew Prince believed he could evade justice by fleeing the country, but the determination of detectives and our partners ensured he was brought back to the UK to face the consequences of his actions.

“Drug dealing causes significant harm to our communities and is frequently linked to violence, exploitation and wider criminality.”

Sussex Police said the case highlights the force’s commitment to pursuing offenders who attempt to evade justice by fleeing overseas and ensuring they are brought before the courts, wherever they may be.