A man has been sentenced to three years in prison after being found with heroin and crack cocaine in Horsham, where police later discovered a toddler alone in a hazardous flat filled with drugs and weapons.
Arrest and Discovery
Shamel Sudeene-Darien, 27, formerly from Penge, London, was stopped by officers in Horsham town centre on January 20. He was found carrying wraps of suspected class A drugs, a burner phone, and a screwdriver.
Further investigation led officers to a nearby rented flat where Sudeene-Darien had been staying. Shockingly, a toddler in his care had been left alone in the property. The flat was deemed unsafe, with hazards including exposed electrical wires, an unlocked rooftop balcony, and no accessible food or water.
During the search, officers discovered £1,000 in cash and 154 wraps of crack cocaine hidden inside a black glove.
Charges and Sentencing
Sudeene-Darien was charged with nine offences, including drug supply, possession of an offensive weapon, and child neglect. He pleaded guilty at Lewes Crown Court and was sentenced on March 11 to three years in prison.
Police Statement
Detective Inspector Rebecca Hopkins described the incident as highly concerning:
“Officers carried out a search under the Misuse of Drugs Act and found evidence that Sudeene-Darien was working as part of a County Lines drugs group in Horsham.
“The further search was concerning because a toddler in his care had been left alone in a rented address. There were hazards, including an unlocked rooftop balcony, uncovered electrical sockets, and loose wires. Most worryingly, there were also wraps of class A drugs in the property that would be easily swallowable for a young child.
“There was no accessible food or water for the child – overall, it was not a safe place for the child to be in.”
DI Hopkins praised the professionalism of the officers who ensured the child was appropriately safeguarded while Sudeene-Darien was in custody.
Community Impact
The case highlights the ongoing issues with County Lines drug operations in Horsham. DI Hopkins added:
“This case shows our determination to disrupt County Lines drugs groups who cause harm in our communities. We are pleased that, because of our investigation, Sudeene-Darien had no choice but to plead guilty when presented with the evidence in court.”
Safeguarding Measures
Following the incident, the child was placed under the care of social services to ensure their safety and well-being. Authorities have reiterated the importance of remaining vigilant and reporting any suspicious activities related to drug dealing or child welfare.
The case serves as a stark reminder of the risks posed by County Lines operations and the importance of community awareness in tackling such criminal activity.
