Members of organised crime group involved in drug supply network jailed

The latest members were collectively sentenced to more than 50 years for their part in running a network supplying drugs in Watford, St Albans and London Colney.

Hertfordshire Constabulary says the group had been using an encrypted phone app called ‘encrochat’ to plan crimes and communicate but officers have been dismantling the group thanks to an "intensive" investigation, which began in August 2019.

At St Albans Crown Court on February 11, the five men were jailed for conspiracy to supply cocaine.

Scot Wells, 42, of Radlett Road, Frogmore, received 15 years, Adam Mayling, 41, of Hempstead Court in Watford got 14 years, Jason Walton-Whitelock, 31, of Lomont Court, Edgware, was jailed for eight years, Wayne Everitt, 36, of Grovelands, Park Street, received nine years and six months, and Mark Gallagher, 38, of Ashbourne Court, St Albans, was jailed for five years and six months.

Detective Inspector Sarah Corr, from Hertfordshire Constabulary’s Operation Relentless team, said: "As part of this long running investigation there have been 27 individuals arrested, 18 charged and sentenced at court to more than 139 years in total.

"Six offenders remain to be dealt with by the courts, others received out of custody drug courses. We also seized over six kgs of cocaine and 50 kgs of cutting agent, along with several hydraulic presses. Also seized was a large amount of liquid amphetamine and amphetamine paste and five kgs of cannabis. More than £281,000 in cash was also recovered.

"Organised crime groups use violence, supply drugs and commit a whole range of crimes that pose a real threat to the community. Operation Relentless is Hertfordshire Constabulary’s response to this on-going threat.

"As part of this work, we depend on information from members of the public to help us crack down on drug-related crime. Any information you can provide, no matter how small it may seem, could help us to identify and apprehend drug dealers."