County lines drug dealer jailed

A drug dealer who ran a county lines drug network in the Welwyn Hatfield area has been jailed for more than seven years.

Following an investigation by Hertfordshire Constabulary’s Tactical Resources, the man was arrested for running a drug supply network from North London into Welwyn Hatfield between August 2020 and January 2021. This county line, known as the AJ line, was responsible for supplying crack cocaine and heroin.

In mid-January 2021 police executed multiple warrants at addresses across the North London and Hertfordshire area, arresting Zac Patterson in the process. He was charged the following day and remanded into custody.

Zac Patterson, 28, of Iverson Road, Camden, appeared at St Albans Crown Court on Tuesday 22 February after pleading guilty to conspiring to supply class A drugs.

Detective Chief Inspector Mark Clawson, from Hertfordshire Constabulary’s Tactical Resources team, said: “Patterson ran the AJ line, which supplied drugs into the Welwyn Hatfield area. The disruption of this line will make a significant impact on drug 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 about a crime online at or speak to an operator in our Force Communications Room via our online web chat. 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. 

Help and support for those with drug addiction:

If someone you know has a drug problem, they can get help by contacting Frank on 0800 77 66 00 or visiting Talk to Frank.

What is County Lines?

County Lines is the name given to describe drug dealing, which involves criminal networks from urban areas expanding their activities into smaller towns and rural areas. 

It often involves the exploitation of children, as gangs use young people and those with mental health or addiction problems to transport drugs and money. These gangs establish a base in the location they are targeting, often taking over the homes of local vulnerable adults by force or coercion in a practice referred to as ‘cuckooing’.

Dealers typically use a single phone line to facilitate the supply of Class A drugs to customers. The phone line is highly valuable and is protected through violence and intimidation.

Operation Mantis is Hertfordshire Constabulary’s specialist unit that proactively targets County Lines gangs.

What is Cuckooing?

Cuckooing is the term used when gangs establish a base in the location they are targeting, often taking over the homes of vulnerable adults by force or coercion.

How to spot the signs that cuckooing might be happening in your neighbourhood:

• Lots of different people coming and going from an address during the day and at night.
• Suspicious smells coming from the property.
• Windows covered or curtains closed all of the time.
• Cars pulling up to or near to the house for a short period of time.
• An increase in anti-social behaviour around the property.