Three drug dealers who ran a six-figure class A county lines drug network in North Herts have been jailed for a total of more than 20 years.

Following an investigation by Hertfordshire Constabulary’s Operation Mantis team, the men were arrested and more than £100k of class A drugs were seized.

MDMA, cocaine and cannabis were found by police at an address in Stotfold in October 2021.

The trio appeared at St Albans Crown court on Friday (March 18).

Faizan Farooq, aged 29, of Old Hale Way, Hitchin, was sentenced to eight years for conspiracy to supply class A (MDMA and cocaine) and class B drugs (cannabis, resin).

Aaron Cooper, aged 28, of Mobbsbury Way, Stevenage, was sentenced to nine years for conspiracy to supply class A (MDMA and cocaine) and class B drugs (cannabis, resin).

He was also sentenced to a further year for conveying prohibited items into prison and possession with intent to supply Class B drugs.

Rehan Farooq, aged 27, of Argyll Avenue, Luton, was sentenced to three years and four months for conspiracy to supply class A (MDMA and cocaine) and class B drugs (cannabis, resin).

Detective Sergeant Jon Leak, from Hertfordshire Constabulary’s Operation Mantis team, said: “Faizan Farooq ran a drug line which supplied drugs into the North Herts and South Beds areas.

“His brother, Rehan, and Cooper worked for him distributing the drugs.

“All three were arrested and significant amounts of drugs were seized following a long running investigation by the specialist county lines Operation Mantis team.

“This will have a major impact on drugs use and associated crime in the county.

“It also sends a clear message that drug dealing will not go unpunished and anyone involved will be caught and jailed.

“Exploitation of vulnerable people is just one of the tragic symptoms of organised drug gangs.

“County Lines dealers can coerce people into providing a base for dealers to operate or to act as distributers themselves.

“They often use young people to handle drugs and money, drawing them deeper into gang affiliation that often leads to violence and abuse.”

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You also call the non-emergency number 101. If a crime is in progress call 999.

Alternatively, you can stay 100% anonymous by contacting the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via their untraceable online form at: www.crimestoppers-uk.org