Operation targeting county lines gangs in St Albans

A series of warrants were carried out targeting county lines drugs gangs in St Albans, on Tuesday 15 August.

The operation was led by the Operation Mantis team, Hertfordshire Constabulary‘s dedicated county lines unit.

The team carried out warrants at two addresses in St Albans, making one arrest and recovering £9,000 worth of class A drugs and mobile phones suspected to be used in drug supply.

Kirk Cole, aged 20, of Bury Court, Bedford, was arrested and later charged with being concerned in the supply and possession with intent to supply crack cocaine and heroin. He has been remanded into custody.

Detective Sergeant Chris Cowell, from Hertfordshire Constabulary’s Operation Mantis Team, said: “This latest operation is part of our continuing drive to disrupt and dismantle county lines gangs operating in Hertfordshire. We have made great advances in the battle against drugs in the county over recent years, and have again made some significant arrests, seizing a large amount of drugs and breaking up criminal networks in the process.

“We will continue to take a very proactive approach to gang crime, working with our partners in other forces and national agencies, to make it difficult for these crime groups to operate in our towns”.

You can report information about drug dealing online, speak to an operator in our Force Communications Room via our online web chat or call the non-emergency number 101.

Alternatively, you can stay 100% anonymous by contacting the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via their untraceable online form at online form (opens in a new window).