Posted on the 17th April 2026 in PHTM News

JAILED: DRUG DEALER CAUGHT USING PRIVATE HIRE VEHICLE TO SELL COCAINE IN WEST SUSSEX

A man who used a private hire vehicle as a cover to sell cocaine in West Sussex has been sent to prison for two years.

The arrest happened on March 13, after police spotted 37-year-old Ergys Rexha getting out of a private hire vehicle in Yapton to meet a customer.

Officers watched him return to the vehicle less than a minute later. Specialist Enforcement Unit officers stopped the car nearby on Bittern Avenue and took Rexha into custody.

During a search, police found 13 vials of cocaine hidden inside a cigarette packet in his pocket. Another 12 vials were later found hidden in his underwear while he was at the police station.

Rexha, who has no fixed address, pleaded guilty to possession of cocaine with intent to supply at Lewes Crown Court on April 13.

Detective Inspector Jason Parry praised the result, stating: "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."

The arrest was part of "County Lines Intensification Week," a major police crackdown on organised drug networks.

Across West Sussex, the operation led to 37 arrests and the seizure of £12,000 in cash, 12 knives, and 17 mobile phones. Crucially, officers also identified and protected 26 children and 20 vulnerable adults who were being exploited by these gangs.

Chief Superintendent Imran Asghar explained that "County lines" involves organised crime groups using dedicated phone lines to run drugs, often forcing young or vulnerable people to work for them.

"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," Asghar said.

"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."


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