Two men have been sentenced for their roles in a drug dealing ring after a major police operation.

Following the sentencing last month of seven men for drugs offences in the Brighton area the leader of a related drugs syndicate has now been jailed for seven years.

On Monday July 11 at Lewes Crown Court, Judge Christine Laing sentenced Ebrima Macauley, 22, of Coltsfoot Path in Romford, Essex, to seven years and an accomplice to eighteen months, suspended.

Macauley pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply heroin and crack cocaine in Brighton, a separate case of possession of crack cocaine with intent to supply in Oxfordshire in 2013 and 2014, and a burglary and handling stolen goods.

The sentencing represents another win for the Sussex Police Organised Crime Investigation Team at Brighton Police Station which has handled the complex case.

On June 27 Macauley's fellow defendant in the drugs conspiracy, James Boyd, 35, of Stoney Stoke, Wincanton, Somerset was sentenced to 18 months imprisonment suspended for two years, and six months drug rehabilitation. He had also pleaded guilty.

Last month another seven men had been sentenced to a total of 26 years for their part in a similar heroin and crack cocaine conspiracy, as part of the overall police Operation Cooden. They were known as the 'Ricky' group

Macauley was the leader of similar group named 'Ricky-Rosay' and Boyd was one of his assistants.

Detective Constable Jon Freeman, who was the officer in charge of this case, said "We are pleased with the outcome and believe that it sends another clear message to drug dealers wishing to peddle death on the streets of Brighton and Hove that they will be caught and brought to justice. 

"I would also echo the comments made by Judge Laing in sentencing that despite Macauley's comparatively young age he had decided to make the choice to deal drugs, which bring 'death & destruction' to those that take them and cause 'misery' to the wider community."

Of the 41 other people arrested, all bar one pleaded guilty to offences including possession with intent to supply Class A and other conspiracies related to drugs supply.

One man who has not pleaded guilty is awaiting trial for his alleged part in the 'Ricky-Rosay' conspiracy.