Dear Resident

Two drug dealers who were part of a drug network in the Hemel Hempstead area have been jailed for a total of 13 years.

The pair were involved in the ‘Max’ drug line, supplying heroin and crack cocaine in the area between February 2022 and September 2023 before their arrests.

Hertfordshire Constabulary’s County Lines Investigation Unit conducted a long-running investigation before arresting the two men in September 2023, seizing large amounts of class A drugs, cash and handsets used to run the drug network.

They appeared at St Albans Crown Court on Friday 4 April, pleading guilty to being concerned in the supply of heroin and cocaine:

• Temitayo Ogbaro, aged 28, of no fixed address, was sentenced to seven years

• Yassar Aftab, aged 27, from Hemel Hempstead, was sentenced to six years

Detective Sergeant Chris Cowell, from the Constabulary’s County Lines Investigation Unit, said: “These two men contributed to much of the drug crime in Hemel Hempstead, running the ‘Max’ drug line. The disruption of this gang will make a considerable impact on drug supply and associated crime in the town.

“County lines drug gangs pose a significant threat to communities, especially young people and those who are vulnerable. We rely on the public to be our eyes and ears on the streets. Help us to rid your community of drugs and related crime by reporting information about drug dealing.”

Report crime by:

• Filling out our online reporting form at https://orlo.uk/DhE7m

• Speaking to an operator in our Force Communications Room via online webchat at https://orlo.uk/tFEJV

• Calling our non-emergency telephone number 101 (in an emergency, always dial 999).

• Contacting Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or visiting crimestoppers-uk.org.

Help and support for those with drug addiction:

If someone you know has a drug problem, they can get help by contacting Frank on 0800 77 66 00 or visiting www.talktofrank.com.