A young adult has received a prison sentence of two years and six months for his involvement in the distribution of crack cocaine and heroin in Brighton.

Charlie Angel, 19, was found to be the operator of the ‘Snupe’ County Drug Line in the region.

The investigation began as a search for a high-risk missing individual, suspected of being coerced into Class A drug trafficking.

In August 2023, a 17-year-old, along with two other teenagers aged 16 and 17, was found in a Peacehaven flat. This location was discovered to be a site for preparing Class A drugs for sale.

Several mobile phones were confiscated and analyzed, establishing a connection between all three teenagers and Angel.

Residing in North Place, Brighton, Angel was apprehended in Northampton on August 16. He was found with a phone used for managing the drug operation.

Further investigations confirmed his role in overseeing the drug line used for distributing Class A substances.

Angel faced charges for his involvement in supplying crack cocaine and heroin. He pled guilty and received his sentence at Lewes Crown Court on January 19.

PC Dave Oliver, of the Op Centurion team, said: “Angel attempted to avoid detection by distancing himself from the drugs, and using vulnerable people to prepare and supply them for him.

“His conviction was made possible thanks to great work from the Op Centurion team, working in partnership with the Met Police’s Op Orochi team to combat County Lines drug dealing.”