Willingdon Man Jailed After Cocaine Seized in Church Car Park

Cocaine haul worth up to £50,000 found in drug dealer’s possession A drug dealer has been jailed after police discovered a large quantity of cocaine in his possession following a public tip-off in Stone Cross, near Pevensey. Thomas Powell, 29, of Wooller Street, Willingdon, was sentenced to three years and four months in prison for […]

Cocaine haul worth up to £50,000 found in drug dealer’s possession

A drug dealer has been jailed after police discovered a large quantity of cocaine in his possession following a public tip-off in Stone Cross, near Pevensey.

Thomas Powell, 29, of Wooller Street, Willingdon, was sentenced to three years and four months in prison for possession with intent to supply Class A drugs. He also received a concurrent three-month sentence for possession of criminal property (cash).

The investigation was launched after members of the public reported suspected drug activity in the car park of a church in Stone Cross. Officers from the Neighbourhood Policing Team acted swiftly and detained Powell on 24 April under the Misuse of Drugs Act.

A small quantity of drugs was found in the vehicle Powell was using, leading to his arrest. A subsequent search revealed a larger stash of cocaine, with an estimated street value of £30,000 to £50,000.

Powell was charged, remanded in custody, and later pleaded guilty at court. He was sentenced on 23 May at Lewes Crown Court.

Police praise public for vital information

Inspector Graham Bond of the Wealden Neighbourhood Policing Team said:

“This case highlights the importance of community intelligence in tackling drug-related crime.
We will continue to act robustly on information provided by the public to protect our communities.”