Teenager jailed for over two years for running drug line

Officers executed a warrant at an address in Fletcher Way, Bognor, on 27 June following intelligence connected to drug supply.

Multiple phones and sim cards, 104 wraps of heroin and crack cocaine, over £1,000 in cash and a number of drug paraphernalia items were seized.

Mateusz Stepien, 19, was also located at the address and arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of cocaine.

He was then charged with being concerned in the supply of cocaine, being concerned in the supply of heroin, two counts of possession with intent to supply a class A drug, possession with intent to supply a class B drug, and acquiring, using or possessing criminal property.

Stepien appeared at Portsmouth Crown Court where he pleaded guilty to all offences, however he later changed his plea to not guilty on 4 August.

But on 20 October, Stepien appeared at court and was found guilty of all offences. He was remanded into custody until his sentencing.

Stepien, of Fletcher Way, Bognor Regis, was jailed for two years and one month, ordered to forfeit £1402 and any drugs, paraphernalia and relevant phones for destruction, and to pay a surcharge of £228.

Detective Inspector Gary Jacobs said: “I am pleased to see the distribution of illegal substances through this drug line disrupted.

“Illicit drugs and the supply of these substances often targets and most acutely harms the most vulnerable members of our communities.

“Sussex Police will continue to relentlessly pursue and apprehend individuals involved in this type of criminality to bring them to justice and keep communities across Sussex safe.”