Fifteenth Gang Member Sentenced for Drug-Dealing in Worthing

A fifteenth member of a major drugs gang has been sentenced, bringing their total jail time to more than 90 years.

The latest conviction is part of Sussex Police’s extensive investigation into the wide-scale supply of Class A and B substances in the county.

Sussex Police’s Serious Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) led the investigation, which resulted in multiple arrests and the seizure of cocaine and cannabis valued between £480,000 to £600,000.

Additionally, £157,795 in cash was confiscated. The operation was supported by several units including the Community Investigations Team, the Economic Crime Unit, the Specialist Enforcement Unit, the Tactical Enforcement Unit, the Roads Policing Unit, and numerous Neighbourhood Policing Teams.

Terrence White, 34, of Mill Road, Worthing, was the fifteenth member to be convicted, receiving a sentence of four years and ten months for conspiracy to supply cocaine.

Previous convictions include Ergest Tarja, 31, who received an extended sentence of 13 years for his involvement. The total jail time for those involved in the investigation, known as Operation Smith, now stands at 90 years and four months.

Detective Constable Jon Freeman of SOCU confirmed that investigations are ongoing to identify any further offenders linked to these Organised Crime Groups.