Hemel Hempstead: County lines drug dealer jailed

Hassan Bolat was sentenced at Luton Crown Court on Wednesday (July 12), after pleading guilty to conspiracy to supply class A drugs (crack cocaine and heroin).

The 29-year-old had been arrested at an address in Hemel Hempstead in September 2022, following an investigation by Hertfordshire police.

Bolat operated the Ace drug line in Hemel Hempstead, the Carlito line in Portsmouth and the Blue line in Peterborough, from February 2022 until his arrest.

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A search of the address discovered over £16,000 worth of crack cocaine and heroin. £8,500 in cash and a number of mobile phone handsets were also recovered.

DS Chris Cowell said: "Bolat ran a major drug supply network stretching across several areas, including dealing crack cocaine and heroin within Hertfordshire.

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"Successfully dismantling such a significant network will have a big impact on drug use and associated crime within our communities. 

"This will also send a message to anyone involved in drug dealing that we will track them down and they will face long jail terms.

“Exploitation of vulnerable people is just one of the tragic symptoms of organised drug gangs.

Hassan Bolat was sentenced at Luton Crown Court. (Image: Hertfordshire Constabulary)

"County lines dealers can coerce people into providing a base for dealers to operate or to act as distributers themselves.

"They often use young people to handle drugs and money, drawing them deeper into gang affiliation that often leads to violence and abuse.”

Information can be reported online at herts.police.uk/report, or by calling the non-emergency number 101.

Anonymous information can be given by contacting Crimestopppers on 0800 555 111 or via crimestoppers-uk.org.