A man who used a private hire taxi to supply cocaine has been jailed.
Ergys Rexha, 37, of no fixed address, was seen by police exiting a taxi in Yapton on March 13 to meet a customer before returning to the vehicle less than a minute later.
Officers from the Specialist Enforcement Unit stopped the vehicle nearby in Bittern Avenue, where Rexha was arrested.
He was searched and officers found 13 vials of cocaine hidden inside a cigarette packet in his pocket.
A further 12 vials were later discovered concealed in his underwear during a search in police custody.
Rexha was charged with possession of cocaine with intent to supply.
Ergys Rexha (Image: Sussex Police)
He appeared at Lewes Crown Court and pleaded guilty on April 13.
He was sentenced to two years in prison.
Detective Inspector Jason Parry said: “We are continuing our work to disrupt the supply of drugs which cause so much harm across Arun District.
“This case demonstrates our determination to catch offenders and ensure they are prosecuted.
“We are pleased that Rexha is now serving a custodial sentence.”
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The arrest took place after County Lines Intensification Week, a coordinated campaign targeting organised drug networks.
In West Sussex, officers executed ten warrants, seized £12,000 in cash, 17 mobile phones, 12 knives and one vehicle.
A total of 37 arrests were made.
Additionally, 26 children and 20 vulnerable adults were identified and safeguarded.
Chief Superintendent Imran Asghar said: “Our officers work all year round to disrupt the supply of drugs which cause so much harm in our communities and to target offenders who prey on vulnerable children and adults.
“County lines is a type of drug dealing in which organised crime groups used phone lines to distribute and supply drugs.
“These groups exploit vulnerable and young people, grooming and coercing them as drug ‘runners’ or cuckooing vulnerable people, using their homes as a base for operations.
“The impact and harm of county lines drug dealing is immense for the individuals being exploited and also considerable for our communities across West Sussex.