Two men have appeared in court on drug dealing charges after officers stopped a car from which drugs were thrown on the M23.

The car, a silver Mercedes A150, was southbound on the M23 between the Gatwick and Crawley junctions at 5.30pm on Thursday 8 April, when it was safely stopped by officers from the Sussex Police Specialist Enforcement Unit (SEU), working with the West Sussex Community Investigation Team (CIT) who are leading the investigation.

As the officers brought the car to a halt a package was seen to be thrown from the car and when opened was found to contain crack cocaine and heroin with an estimated potential street value of some £6000.

A later police search of a house in Crawley revealed £10,000 cash and a smaller quantity of drugs.

Liam Thomas Batchelor, 34, unemployed, of Boswell Road, Crawley, and James Andrew Remmer, 32, a tree surgeon, of Warwick Close, Holmwood, Surrey, appeared in custody at Brighton Magistrates Court on Monday 12 April, both charged with possession of crack cocaine and heroin with intent to supply. They were both remanded in custody for trial, with an initial appearance at Lewes Crown Court on a date yet to be notified.

Detective Constable Richard Taylor said; These charges result from a co-ordinated police operation involving different units working together as part of our continuing activity to combat dangerous drug supply across the county.

Anyone with information about illegal drugs supply in Sussex can contact the police at any time online or by calling 101.