Three men jailed following investigation into hazardous class A drug batches in Watford
Men sentenced for conspiracy to supply class A drugs after synthetic opioids linked to medical episodes in town
Last updated 30th Aug 2024
Three men have been jailed following an investigation into hazardous class A drug batches in Watford, Hertfordshire. The sentences were handed down at St Albans Crown Court on Thursday, 29 August, after the men were found guilty of conspiracy to supply class A drugs.
Earlier this year, Hertfordshire Constabulary launched an investigation and issued a community warning after several people in Watford suffered medical episodes, suspected to be linked to synthetic opioids being passed off as heroin. The Serious and Organised Crime Team focused their inquiry on a particular drugs line, known as the “Chris Line,” believed to be involved in the supply of these drugs.
The three men, all in their 20s, were arrested, charged, and remanded in custody following a proactive police operation in which officers seized substances believed to be class A drugs.
Following a six-day trial, the men were sentenced as follows:
Daniel Harlley, aged 29, of Vicarage Road, Watford, received 7 years and 6 months.
Deejay Evans, aged 21, of Fairlawn Close, Feltham, received 2 years and 11 months.
Yannick Lomete, aged 29, from Islington, received 4 years and 9 months.
Detective Inspector Grant Finnie, from the Serious Crime Investigation Unit, commented on the sentences: “I hope the sentences received by those involved sends a strong message that we will work tirelessly to combat the supply of drugs in Hertfordshire.
“Throughout this investigation, our top priority was tracing this harmful substance and removing it from the streets of Watford. I am pleased that through our proactive work, this has been achieved.”
He added: “We understand the impact county lines has on communities and these sentences reflect how seriously we take this kind of activity. Where necessary, we can deploy specialist detectives who will work to bring those responsible to justice, no matter where in the country they operate from.”
Anyone with information about drugs in their area is encouraged to report it online at herts.police.uk/report, use the online web chat at herts.police.uk/contact, or call the non-emergency number 101. Information can also be given anonymously via the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or through their online form at crimestoppers-uk.org.
For further support and advice, visit the websites of Spectrum, Talk To Frank, or Hertfordshire County Council.