Hemel man among 20 arrested during police operation targeting county line drug dealing

A man from Hemel Hempstead was among the 20 people arrested during a large scale police operation targeting organised drug dealing.

A 22-year-old was arrested on suspicion of possession of cannabis with intent to supply.

Between Monday 9 and Sunday 15 October Hertfordshire Constabulary searched homes suspected of being used for county lines drug dealing.

During the week, the Operation Mantis team, supported by Hertfordshire’s Operational Support Group and local crime units, obtained warrants to search homes believed to be used by gangs.

Officers from the Eastern Region Special Operations Unit (ERSOU) and National Crime Agency (NCA) were also involved I the operations.

The places searched by Hertfordshire police were in Borehamwood, Cheshunt, Hemel Hempstead, St Albans, Stevenage, Welwyn Garden City and Luton.

Twenty individuals were arrested in total, with six of those being charged and remanded into custody.

Also, police seized more than £22,000 in cash, class A and class B drugs with a street value of more than £40,000 and an imitation firearm.

Hertfordshire Constabulary has confirmed that four people were safeguarded during the operations, including three children.

-Javon Sutton-Fahie, 38, of Westerdell, Luton, charged with being concerned in the supply of crack cocaine and heroin, possession with intent to supply heroin and possession of criminal property.

-Habid Iqbal, 37, of Watermead Road, Luton, charged with being concerned in the supply of crack cocaine and heroin, possession with intent to supply heroin and possession of criminal property.

-Hazbi Lala, 25, of Wimpson Lane, Southampton, charged with possession of cocaine.

-Tyrell Asante, 23, of Whitehall Lane, Erith, Kent charged with being concerned in supply of cocaine.

-Levi Silcott, 24, of Simmons Drive, Dagenham, charged with being concerned in supply of cocaine.

-Wesley Barker, 37, from Luton, charged with being concerned in the supply of cocaine.

All charged individuals have been remanded in custody.

-A 45-year-old woman from St Albans on suspicion of possession of crack cocaine with intent to supply.

-A 47-year-old man from St Albans on suspicion of possession of crack cocaine with intent to supply.

-A 36-year-old woman from Stevenage on suspicion of possession of crack cocaine.

-A 16-year-old boy from London on suspicion of possession of crack cocaine and cannabis.

-A 39-year-old man from London on suspicion of possession of crack cocaine and cannabis.

-A 15-year-old boy from Hertford on suspicion of possession of crack cocaine and cannabis.

-A 29-year-old man from Cheshunt on suspicion of possession of cannabis with intent to supply.

-A 20-year-old man from Stevenage on suspicion of possession of cocaine with intent to supply.

-A 20-year-old man from Stevenage on suspicion of possession of cocaine with intent to supply.

-A 24-year-old man from Stevenage on suspicion of possession of cocaine with intent to supply.

-A 22-year-old man from Hemel Hempstead on suspicion of possession of cannabis with intent to supply.

-A 21-year-old woman from Abbots Langley on suspicion of possession of cannabis.

-A 23-year-old man from Croydon on suspicion of being concerned in supply of cocaine and theft of motor vehicle.

-A 24-year-old man from London on suspicion of possession of cocaine and heroin with intent to supply.

All have been released on bail, but remain under police investigation.

Forces across the UK carried out similar operations with support from the National County Lines Co-ordination Centre (NCLCC) and Eastern Region Special Operations Unit, as part of a national drive to disrupt and arrest those involved in county lines.

Detective Chief Inspector Mark Clawson, from Hertfordshire Constabulary’s Serious and Organised Crime Command, said: “This latest week of action is part of our continuing drive to disrupt and dismantle county lines gangs operating in the county. The operations involved a number of different teams across the force, working with our partners to target county lines drug dealing in Hertfordshire and I appreciate all their hard work and support.

“During the week we targeted several gangs working in areas across the county, making some significant arrests, seizing drugs, cash and weapons in the process which would have otherwise made these gangs more of a threat to our communities.

“We will continue to take a very proactive approach, working with our partners in other forces and national agencies to make it difficult for these crime groups to operate in our towns, identifying new gangs and targeting them early before they get a foothold and serious offences can occur.”

Detective Inspector Kelly Gray, from the Eastern Region Special Operations Unit (ERSOU) - which coordinates the policing response to county lines in the region - added: “The latest intensification period has led to some significant results across eastern England, which highlights once more the scale of criminality and exploitation associated with county lines gangs.

“We see many different types of crime associated with county lines networks, such as violence, exploitation, modern slavery, and of course drugs offences.

“That’s why it’s more important than ever that policing and other partner agencies continue to pursue those involved and protect and safeguard the vulnerable people being exploited.

“I would encourage the public to keep their eyes open to the signs of young and vulnerable people being exploited by county lines gangs. If you see anything that doesn’t look right, please contact your local force.”

Hertfordshire Constabulary advises Anyone with information on drug dealing or gang related crime to contact the force on its on-emergency number 101 or report information online.

Alternatively, you can contact the independent crime-fighting charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via its online form. No personal details are taken, information cannot be traced or recorded and you will never need to go to court, Hertfordshire Constabulary adds.

Hertfordshire Constabulary launched its Operation Mantis team in 2018 it is made up of officers who specialise in targeting serious and organised crime.

The police force states that the team has executed hundreds of search warrants, more than 400 arrests and seized over £392,000 in cash.