Two Men Jailed in Connection to ‘Charlie’ Drugs Line

Two men have been sentenced to significant prison terms after being convicted of running an illegal drug line known locally as the ‘Charlie’ drugs line, Sussex Police have confirmed. Officers first became aware of the drug line in May 2025 through intelligence gathered from mobile phone activity linked to suspected drug distribution. Subsequent enquiries revealed […]

Two men have been sentenced to significant prison terms after being convicted of running an illegal drug line known locally as the ‘Charlie’ drugs line, Sussex Police have confirmed.

Officers first became aware of the drug line in May 2025 through intelligence gathered from mobile phone activity linked to suspected drug distribution.

Subsequent enquiries revealed that the operation was coordinated by 23-year-old Charlie Harris, from Crawley, who was identified as the controller of the drugs line, and 42-year-old Ross Sandwell, from Saltdean, Brighton, who was found in possession of the mobile phone used to operate the line.

On 14 May 2025, warrants were executed at addresses in Brighton and Crawley by officers from Sussex Police working with colleagues from the Metropolitan Police.

During these actions, detectives seized multiple mobile phones, SIM cards, quantities of cannabis and a sum of cash. Both men were arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs.

The two defendants were initially remanded in custody after appearing at Crawley Magistrates’ Court. They each faced multiple charges, including being concerned in the supply of crack cocaine and heroin, possession of a Class B drug, and being concerned in the offer to supply controlled substances.

Both Harris and Sandwell initially entered not guilty pleas; however, ahead of their scheduled trial at Lewes Crown Court, they changed their pleas to guilty.

On 30 January 2026, the pair were sentenced at Brighton Crown Court. Charlie Harris received five years and six months’ imprisonment, while Ross Sandwell was sentenced to three years’ imprisonment.

Detective Constable Bav Chahal, the officer in charge of the investigation, said illicit drugs and the drug lines that supply them cause immense harm to communities and often to those who are most vulnerable. He added that he was pleased to see the supply of illegal drugs disrupted and those responsible brought to justice, and that tackling drug lines remains a priority for Sussex Police in protecting communities across the county.