A DRUG dealer who was caught in possession of more than 100 wraps of heroin and crack cocaine has been jailed.

Alex Simon, 25, has been handed an eight year and nine months prison sentence following three drug related arrests in eight months.

Simon was first arrested in January 2019 after officers observed him acting suspiciously in Cornwallis Gardens, Hastings. 

Whilst on a plain clothed patrol, they witnessed him carrying out what looked to be a drug deal with two women.

He returned to his car where he turned his jacket inside out to change his appearance before driving away.

Simon was then arrested and the key to his car was found discarded nearby as well as a package of 69 wraps of cocaine and 44 of heroin.

The Argus: Alex SimonAlex Simon

DNA found on the discarded drug wraps matched his.

He was charged with possession with intent to supply a class A drug (heroin) and possession with intent to supply a class A drug (crack cocaine).

In March 2019, Simon was arrested again after being identified on CCTV at an address in Wellington Square, Hastings, and in the company of a boy found in possession of crack cocaine worth more than £5,000.

The subsequent police investigation found evidence of Simon renting out properties in the town, from which the boy would then distribute drugs. Simon's DNA was found on the drug packaging and he was charged with being concerned in the supply of a class A drug.

Simon was later arrested in connection with the discovery of a cannabis factory at a property in Milward Road, Hastings, in August 2019.

Officers had been at the address on an unrelated matter when they noticed a smell of cannabis coming from the letterbox.

What they could see and hear led them to believe there was an active cannabis grow inside, so they entered the house.

They found 208 cannabis plants with a potential street value of up to £174,000. 

Enquiries linked Simon to the address and he was arrested and charged with production of a class B drug.

Simon pleaded guilty to all offences and at Lewes Crown Court on March 18, and was sentenced to a total of eight years and nine months' imprisonment.