WGC man jailed for county lines drug dealing

A man from Welwyn Garden City has been jailed for county lines drug dealing.

Ryan Marshall, aged 25, of Heronswood Road, appeared at St Albans Crown Court on Friday 11 August where was sentenced to three years and four months imprisonment for the following offences:

• Being concerned in the supply of crack cocaine
• Being concerned in the supply of heroin
• Possession with intent to supply crack cocaine
• Offending while under a community order for being in possession of a class B drug

On Tuesday 4 July, officers from the Operation Mantis Team and Welwyn Hatfield and Hertsmere Scorpion Teams carried out a warrant at Marshall’s home address, supported by the Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire Dog Unit.

The warrant (pictured) resulted in approximately 80g of class A drugs being seized, as well as mobile phones and just under £3,000 in cash notes. Marshall was located inside the address and arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of drugs.

The investigation continued with further work undertaken by the Digital Forensic Investigation Unit to investigate his phone.

Detective Inspector Bianca Broadbent said: “Marshall was responsible for running a highly active county line, causing huge misery to many. I am pleased that he is now behind bars and I hope that residents feel reassured by this too.

“The investigation was a real team effort and we will continue doing all we can to rid Welwyn Hatfield of drugs. If you have information or suspicions about local drug dealing, please don’t hesitate to report it. The more information we have, the more action we can take.”

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).