Disqualified driver jailed after drugs and weapon found during A23 stop

A disqualified driver stopped on the A23 in West Sussex was found with class A and B drugs, a knife, false documents, and cash, leading to a five-and-a-half-year prison sentence, May 19. Bilal Abdullah, 27, of no fixed address, was pulled over in a Citroen Berlingo by Sussex Police’s Specialist Enforcement Unit during County Lines […]

A disqualified driver stopped on the A23 in West Sussex was found with class A and B drugs, a knife, false documents, and cash, leading to a five-and-a-half-year prison sentence, May 19.

Bilal Abdullah, 27, of no fixed address, was pulled over in a Citroen Berlingo by Sussex Police’s Specialist Enforcement Unit during County Lines Intensification Week, a national initiative to disrupt drug supply and organized crime networks.

What officers found during the stop

Officers discovered cocaine, cannabis, a bladed article, and £935 in cash hidden in the vehicle. A false identity document was also recovered. Abdullah was arrested at a layby near Hickstead after intelligence linked the van to suspected drug activity.

He later admitted to possession of drugs with intent to supply, possession of a bladed article, driving while disqualified, possessing criminal property, and possessing false identity documents.

Investigation and sentencing

Following a thorough investigation by the West Sussex Community Investigations Team, Abdullah was charged and remanded. At Lewes Crown Court, he pleaded guilty to all charges and received a five-year, six-month prison sentence.

Detective Inspector Gary Jacobs said, “Our officers continue to deny access to our road network for serious and organized criminals. Thanks to coordinated work, Abdullah had no choice but to plead guilty.”

Disrupting drug networks

The arrest highlights Sussex Police’s ongoing strategy to dismantle county lines drug operations. Officers stress the importance of community reporting and targeted patrols in identifying and stopping drug-related crime.