A drug dealer involved in the distribution of Class A drugs has been jailed.

On Saturday, 26 October 2024, officers on proactive patrols in Merstham noticed a Ford Focus parked up on Brook Road. An interaction between the driver and a pedestrian – who made off on seeing police – aroused suspicions that they’d just witnessed a drug deal, and they stopped and searched both the driver and his car.

Officers found mobile phones – one of which was ringing constantly – cash, and items believed to be used in the supply of drugs. They also later uncovered text messages relating to county lines drug dealing.

The driver, Dequane Cunningham, (02/04/1997), was arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs and released on conditional bail while the investigation continued.

Just over two weeks later, on Wednesday, 13 November, officers were carrying out proactive patrols in Redhill when they spotted Cunningham, in the same Ford Focus, in breach of his bail conditions. He was stopped and a vehicle search uncovered numerous phones and SIM cards, cash, and a package suspected to contain crack cocaine and heroin concealed within the frame of the car.

Cunningham was arrested – again – and thanks to the combined efforts of teams from both Surrey Police and the Metropolitan Police, he was convicted of possession with intent to supply crack cocaine and heroin and being concerned in the supply of crack cocaine and heroin, at Isleworth Crown Court on Friday, 22 August.

Cunningham, 28, of South London, was sentenced to five years and nine months behind bars.

PC Roberts-Mccaig from Reigate Safer Neighbourhood Team said: “These sentences are part of our continued effort into dismantling the organised crime networks and drug supply lines within Surrey. We urge anyone who has information regarding the supply or use of drugs in their local area to report it to us.”