A London man has been sentenced to three years in prison after being caught with heroin and crack cocaine in Horsham. Police later discovered a toddler left alone in a dangerous flat filled with drugs and weapons.
Arrest and Investigation
On January 20, officers stopped Shamel Sudeene-Darien, 27, in Horsham town centre. He was found carrying:
Class A drugs
A burner phone
A screwdriver
A further search led police to a rented flat where Sudeene-Darien had been staying. Inside, they found a toddler left alone in unsafe conditions, including:
Exposed electrical wires
An unlocked rooftop balcony
No accessible food or water
Police also discovered £1,000 in cash and 154 wraps of crack cocaine hidden in a black glove.
Charges and Sentencing
Sudeene-Darien was charged with nine offenses, including:
Drug supply
Possession of an offensive weapon
Child neglect
He pleaded guilty at Lewes Crown Court and was sentenced to three years in prison on March 11.
Police Statement & Safeguarding Measures
Detective Inspector Rebecca Hopkins called the case “highly concerning” and confirmed that the child was safeguarded by social services. She emphasized the danger posed by County Lines drug operations and praised officers for their swift action.
Authorities are urging the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities related to drug dealing or child welfare.
