A drug dealer has been jailed after supplying crack cocaine and heroin in the city centre and assaulting two police officers.

Shy Ponsonby-Way, 19, was arrested in central Brighton by Specialist Enforcement Unit (SEU) officers, who found 90 drug wraps concealed in his groin on January 4.

Officers observed Ponsonby-Way, formerly of Surrenden Crescent, Brighton, exchanging with a suspected drug user in an alleyway near St James’s Street, then later completing a deal in an alleyway behind North Street.

Ponsonby-Way was stopped by officers, who found a golf ball sized package containing crack cocaine and heroin, a burner phone and cash.

He was also stopped on March 11 in Elms Avenue and was found with heroin and crack cocaine with intent to supply and a lock knife.

READ MORE: Man jailed after stop and search reveal drugs and knife

Ponsonby-Way assaulted a police officer in George Street, Brighton, in August 2023, and another officer in custody in October 2022.

The teenager was also found to be in possession of a knife in Trafalgar Street, Brighton, in July last year.

He admitted four counts of possessing class A drugs with intent to supply, two counts of possessing a knife or bladed article, two counts of assaulting emergency workers and one count of possessing criminal property.

He was jailed for three years and four months at Lewes Crown Court.

SEU Inspector Ollie Pullen said: “Our officers carry out patrols to support our divisional colleagues.

“We work hard to disrupt the supply of class A drugs which cause so much harm in our communities.

“This case demonstrates our determination to catch offenders.

“We know that a tiny minority of young people carry knives, but it makes them significantly more likely to be at risk of being the victim of knife violence, as well as posing a risk to other young people.

“So we are pleased that after our investigation, a dangerous offender has been taken off our streets.”