In a significant blow to drug trafficking in Sussex, Danny Wilder, a 38-year-old resident of Vale Road, St Leonards, has been sentenced to seven years in prison following the discovery of drugs worth nearly £1 million in his possession.

Wilder’s arrest came after officers observed him acting suspiciously on Cloudesley Road on Friday, 19 May. A subsequent search revealed he was carrying a small quantity of cocaine and a sum of cash, leading to his arrest on charges of intent to supply Class A drugs.

The investigation deepened with a search at Wilder’s residence, where police uncovered approximately 10 kilograms of cocaine and 16 kilograms of cannabis, along with around £30,000 in cash. The total street value of the drugs seized is estimated to be around £930,000.

Following his arrest, Wilder faced charges of possession with intent to supply Class A and Class B drugs, as well as money laundering. He pled guilty to all charges at Lewes Crown Court on Monday, 19 June 2023. His sentencing at Brighton Crown Court on Monday, 18 March, handed him seven years for the Class A drug charges, with concurrent sentences for the other offences.

Detective Constable Amy Pooley highlighted the significance of the bust, noting that the seized substances would have had a severe impact on Sussex communities. She praised the diligent efforts of Sussex Police and their partners in bringing Wilder to justice, underscoring the force’s commitment to eradicating illegal drug activities in the area.

Sussex Police continue their appeal to the public to report any suspicious activities or drug-related crimes, emphasizing the community’s role in combating such offences. Further actions under the Proceeds of Crime Act are scheduled to be discussed in a hearing on 22 July, as the case against Wilder proceeds.