A North London couple have been jailed following a police investigation into a 'County Lines' operation bringing class A drugs from London into Brighton.
Edward Birigwa, 30, and Kessia Davies, 21, both of Golders Way, London, appeared at Lewes Crown Court on April 23, both charged with being concerned in the supply of crack cocaine and heroin.
Police said the charges they faced followed an investigation over several months by detectives from the Brighton Community Investigation Team, working with colleagues from the Metropolitan Police's "Operation Orochi", which works with police forces surrounding London to combat so-called "county lines" drug dealing from the capital.
Officers arrested the couple in North London on 27 January, and then searched their address
Investigators found drugs, which were taken for analysis, together with cash, electronic scales, mobile phones and other items.
At Lewes Crown Court, Birigwa pleaded guilty to the charges and was sentenced to five years' imprisonment.
Davies pleaded guilty and was sentenced to two years' and six months imprisonment.
Detective Inspector Dee Wells said:
"We work tirelessly to disrupt dealers who bring harmful drugs into our local communities and bring criminals to justice wherever they live.
"I am pleased the court has recognised the severity of Birigwa and Davies' actions and served them with significant custodial sentences.
"We are committed to protecting the public and I hope this sends a clear message to drug dealers that they cannot expect to go undetected in Brighton and Hove."
Commenting on the sentencing a Sussex Police spokesperson added that tackling "county lines" gangs required more than a response from the police.
They stayed that effective collaboration between law enforcement and safeguarding organisations and also the private sector industries was a vital part of both the national and local response.
A renewed appeal for information was launched.
Police said the best advice is to "trust your instincts" — if somebody shows signs of mistreatment, or someone seems to be travelling long distances or is unfamiliar with a locality, officers welcome reports of suspicions online, or by calling 101.
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