Eastbourne Drug-Dealer Jailed After Street 'Trade'

Monday, 29 June 2020 21:59

By John Warburton @Warblefly

Convicted: Kleris Bregasi, 23, of Bolsover Road, Eastbourne

A drug dealer has been jailed after being caught by police on patrol in Eastbourne.

Officers were in Eastbourne town centre on Saturday 16 May when they witnessed a man carry out a suspected drug transaction in Compton Street.

They lost track of the man but three days later, on Tuesday 19 May, police on patrol in Meads Road saw someone matching his description.

He was detained for a search under the Misuse of Drugs Act, and was found to have two bags containing white powder, a wrap of cannabis and £420 cash in his possession.

The man — now known to be 23-year-old Kleris Bregasi of Bolsover Road — was arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply Class A and B drugs.

Officers said a search of his home address uncovered more drugs - cocaine and cannabis with an estimated street value of approximately £20,000 - and more than £2,500 in cash.

Bregasi admitted the offences and, at Lewes Crown Court, was sentenced to 45 months' imprisonment after being convicted of possession with intent to supply Class A and Class B drugs.

Inspector Rachel Barrow of the Eastbourne prevention team said:

"All the officers involved in this case worked hard to catch Bregasi, and to gather and present comprehensive evidence to the court.

"As a result, a man responsible for dealing harmful drugs in our community has been taken off the streets, and a large quantity of drugs have been seized.

"Sussex Police's priorities include protecting our communities, catching criminals and delivering an outstanding service to victims, witnesses and the public. This case has hit all three priorities."

The Inspector added:

"I would like to reassure those who have seen and reported drug dealing, that officers are proactively working on this problem and will do their very best to catch those responsible.

"We remain committed to tackling the increase in drug use and drug supply in Eastbourne, and we encourage people to continue reporting their concerns either direct to Sussex Police or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111."