A man has been sentenced to 5 years and 7 months in prison after being caught selling drugs in Crawley.
Jamie Gabriel, who is 28, from Benton’s Lane in Norwood, was observed approaching known drug users in May.
Officers later stopped his vehicle and discovered he was in possession of both class A and B drugs, leading to his arrest and conviction.
The court was told how the arrest took place on May 27 this year.
Gabriel was seen walking from Malthouse Road to Longley House car park where he approached a group of others.
He was seen offering greetings and fist bumps, before retrieving plastic packages from his pockets.
Officers were carrying out patrols and kept him under observation, before stopping him in a vehicle from leaving the area.
Gabriel was found in possession of cannabis in the vehicle and cocaine on his person.
He admitted possession of a class B drug, namely cannabis, being in possession of class A drugs with intent to supply, namely crack cocaine and heroin, and being concerned in the supply of cocaine and heroin.
The court sentenced him to five years and seven months in prison.
Speaking after the case, CID supervisor Oli Robinson said: “Officers have been working hard to disrupt the supply of drugs which cause significant harm in our communities.
“Gabriel was seen carrying out drug deals, and our investigation of his phone showed his link to drug supply in Crawley. Because of this evidence, he had no choice but to plead guilty at court.
“We are pleased that an offender selling a significant quantity of drugs has been taken off our streets and is now serving a custodial sentence.
"The sentence reflects his third conviction for drug supply matters.”
Drug dealing often goes hand in hand with the exploitation of vulnerable people. This Adult Safeguarding Week, spot the signs of cuckooing and other exploitation, and if you see anything suspicious report to the police - find out more about Cuckooing online.
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