Three arrested following drugs warrant in Hatfield

An estimated £70,000 worth of cannabis has been seized and three people have been arrested in a successful drugs operation targeting a property in Hatfield.

The Welwyn Hatfield Safer Neighbourhood Team carried out a warrant in Briars Close yesterday (Monday 3 July), joined by Operation Scorpion, the Digital Media Investigation Team and Chief Inspector Kash Hussain.

Police had received intelligence reports from Border Force after they intercepted a series of drugs packages addressed to the property. Officers monitored the intelligence and obtained a Section 23 Misuse of Drugs Act Warrant for the property.

Two people were arrested during the warrant:

• A 21 year old man from Hatfield was arrested on suspicion of importing drugs
• A 22 year old man from Hatfield was arrested on suspicion of importing drugs and possession of cannabis

A third person was arrested in London later the same day:

• A 21 year old man from Hatfield was arrested on suspicion of importing drugs.

All three have been bailed with strict conditions while the investigation continues.

Sergeant Robert Wilson, from the Safer Neighbourhood Team, said: “A quantity of cannabis was found in the property, bringing the total seized drugs up to an estimated £70,000 street value.

“I hope that this investigation shows we are serious about stopping drugs from getting on to the streets of Hatfield and we will do everything we can to stop it, from warrants and patrols to working with partner agencies such as Border Force.

“From Class A to Class C, drugs can be associated with other criminality and anti-social behaviour and so I hope residents feel reassured by the results of this operation.

“Please remember if you have suspicions about drug dealing, report it to us so we can build up a picture of intelligence and take action.”

Danny Hewitt, Border Force Director of National Operational Headquarters, said: “The smuggling, production and sale of cannabis plays a fundamental part of the business model that funds organised criminal gangs.

“This seizure and others like it, sends a clear message to anyone attempting to smuggle drugs into the UK, that we remain committed and prepared to stop these dangerous drugs flooding into our communities.

“We will continue to work with our partners to tackle drugs at every stage of the supply chain.”

A video of the warrant can be watched on the Herts Police YouTube channel (opens in a new window).

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 (opens in new window). 

If you spot a drug deal in progress, always call 999.

 

Photo captions:

Photo 1 – The officers about to embark on the warrant

Photo 2 – The warrant being carried out

Photo 3 – Chief Inspector Kash Hussain carrying out a search

Photo 4 – An Op Scorpion officer carrying out a search

Photo 5 – Cannabis seized during the warrant

Photo 6 -  A cannabis package intercepted by Border Force