Three drug dealers have been jailed after a police investigation into a long-running county drug line.

Sussex Police received information that the “Sparky” line was active again in Eastbourne, selling crack cocaine and heroin to vulnerable people.

In conjunction with the South East Trilogy Unit from the Metropolitan Police, simultaneous warrants were executed at addresses in Eastbourne and London last week.

This led to the seizure of Class A drugs and the arrest of three individuals, who were subsequently charged and remanded in custody.

Rease Colebrooke, 29, of Normanton Street, Forest Hill in London, was charged with conspiracy to supply cocaine and heroin, possession with intent to supply cocaine, crack cocaine and heroin, and possession of cannabis.

Edson Cardoso, 28, of Allwood Close in London, was charged with conspiracy to supply cocaine and heroin, as well as possession with intent to supply more than a kilogram of cocaine.

Gary Brown, 28, of Larkbere Road, Lewisham in London, was charged with possession with intent to supply heroin, possession of an offensive weapon - a knuckle duster, and possession with intent to supply crack cocaine.

All three appeared at Woolwich Crown Court on July 19, where they pleaded guilty to all offences.

The following day, Colebrooke - whose street name was Ady - was sentenced to eight years’ imprisonment, Cardoso - whose street name was Rio - was sentenced to six years and four months’ imprisonment, and Brown - whose street name was Major - was sentenced to three years and four months’ imprisonment.

Investigating officer PC Dan Cloake said: “The three defendants have been running this specific drugs line in Eastbourne for around ten years and, although previously convicted of drug supply offences and imprisoned prior to this, they continued their drug supply as soon as they were released.

“One tactic the “Sparky” line has always used is the cuckooing of known drug-users and vulnerable adults’ addresses, often targeting those with significant drug or mental health issues.

“Over the past decade, we have successfully relocated at least five vulnerable people away from the Eastbourne area to new addresses in order to safeguard them from further exploitation.

“We hope this result will further protect those at risk of harm in our communities, and make people understand the serious consequences of drug-dealing.”