Welwyn man charged following County Lines operation

A man from Welwyn Garden City has been arrested during an operation targeting drug dealing.

Hertfordshire Constabulary’s, County Lines Investigations Unit, searched an address in Welwyn Garden City, as part of an investigation into drug supply in the town. Officers recovered suspected Class A and Class B drugs, cash suspected to be the proceeds of crime and a suspected prohibited Taser like weapon.

Ashleigh McNeill, aged 37, of Birdcroft Road, Welwyn Garden City, appeared at Hatfield remand court on Friday 12 September where he was charged with:

• Possession with intent to supply cocaine

• Possession with intent to cannabis resin

• Possession of prohibited weapon (stun gun)

• Possession of criminal property

Detective Inspector Grant Finnie, from the constabulary’s County Lines Investigations Unit, said: “This latest operation is part of our ongoing efforts to target and disrupt those involved in supplying Class A drugs in these areas. The violence and exploitation often associated with drug dealing causes untold harm to our communities and often targets the vulnerable.

“Hertfordshire Constabulary works tirelessly to deliver against the government’s 10 year ‘from harm to hope’ plan, aiming to make communities safer by reducing crime. Part of that plan is to impact on people we suspect are operating as ‘middle market’ drug dealers supplying wholesale to those supplying drugs in our neighbourhoods. Those taking part in this type of criminality should expect a visit from us.”

Anyone with information is being urged to contact officers on 101.

Hear all the latest news from across the UK on the hour, every hour, on Greatest Hits Radio on DAB, smartspeaker, at greatesthitsradio.co.uk, and on the Rayo app.