Two drug dealers were caught selling and storing Class A drugs at a rented property.

Officers from Hastings Neighbourhood Enforcement Team were on patrol when they spotted Garey Cotter selling drugs in Gensing Road, St Leonards.

He was arrested and keys to the house, rented out on a short-term basis, fell out of his pocket.

Officers then searched the property where Musa Massaquoi was found.

Massaquoi, now aged 21, formerly of Armfield Crescent, Mitcham, at first tried to stop officers getting inside during the incident in November 2022.

Inside the address officers found heroin and crack cocaine worth £1,500 as well as £6,500 in cash.

Massaquoi’s DNA was found on the wraps of the Class A drugs.

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Both men were arrested and released on bail while further enquires were conducted.

Charges were later secured for the men being concerned in the supply of heroin, possession with intent to supply a Class A drug, heroin, possession with intent to supply a Class A drug, crack cocaine, being concerned in the supply of crack cocaine and offences relating to money laundering.

Cotter, now aged 48, formerly of Frant Road, Thornton Heath, London, failed to surrender for bail three times, while other legal delays meant the case only came up for sentence this month.

At Lewes Crown Court on September 2, Massaquoi and Cotter were both jailed for two years and seven months.

Detective Chief Inspector Catherine O’Connor said: “This case demonstrates the determination of officers and investigators to catch criminals supplying Class A drugs that cause so much harm in our communities.

 “We are pleased that these two defendants have now been sentenced.

“Tackling drug-related harm is one of our key policing priorities in Hastings and Project Adder greatly supported the work being done.

“Working alongside partners we have continued to disrupt drug supply in the town as well as safeguard vulnerable drug users at risk of exploitation.

“Our overall aim is to continue working effectively with our partners to make the town a safer place for everyone.”