A drug dealer who went on the run for nearly four years was caught after buying a car on a purchase agreement in his own name.

Sussex Police received an anonymous tip off that John Condeh was dealing from an address in Marline Avenue, St Leonards, back in July 2020.

When officers entered the address, they found the 35-year-old sitting in an armchair. They found a large bundle of heroin and cocaine in the chair.

Condeh was arrested, interviewed and released on bail while forensic examinations of the drugs and a search of his phone took place.

The Argus: John Condeh was on the run for nearly four years before police found him in South East LondonJohn Condeh was on the run for nearly four years before police found him in South East London (Image: Sussex Police)

The CPS authorised charges of possession with intent to supply heroin, crack cocaine and possession of criminal property but Condeh failed to surrender to the court and a warrant for his arrest was issued.

But he could not be found and remained on the run for nearly four years.

Sussex Police financial Investigators found that in 2023 Condeh had taken out an agreement for the purchase of a car.

This vehicle was circulated to police forces nationally and on November 6 last year, the vehicle stopped in south East London with Condeh driving and he was arrested.

Condeh, of High Street, Peckham in London, subsequently pleaded guilty to the offences and on 26 February this year he was sentenced at Lewes Crown Court to 35 months’ in prison.