A drug dealer who was part of a county lines drug network in North Herts has been jailed for three years.

Reggie Barton, 18, of Kingswood Avenue in Hitchin, was sentenced to three years for possession with intent to supply class A drugs, and possession of criminal property.

He appeared at St Albans Crown Court on Tuesday, January 3 and pleaded guilty.

The sentencing followed an investigation by Hertfordshire police's Local Crime Unit (LCU), during which Barton was arrested and a substantial amount of cocaine and cash seized from an address in Hitchin.

Detective Constable Jamie Nye, from the North Herts LCU, said: “The offender was involved in a drug line which supplied drugs into the North Herts area, distributing significant amounts of drugs.

"This will have a significant 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.”

You can report information online at herts.police.uk/report, speak to an operator via online web chat at herts.police.uk/contact or call the non-emergency number 101.

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