A drug dealer who ran a Watford-based, county lines drug network from his prison cell has been given a further seven years in prison.
In November 2020, a vehicle was stopped by Thames Valley Police and the driver found to be in possession of a quantity of class A drugs (crack cocaine and heroin) and a mobile phone linked to the Capo county line, which supplied drugs out of Watford into the Thames Valley area.
Messages recovered from the phone were traced to a number belonging to a prisoner already serving seven years in the Mount prison, Bovingdon, for drug offences.
A subsequent search of the prisoner’s cell uncovered the phone he was using to run his drug network.
Scott Anthony (pictured), aged 29, appeared at St Albans Crown Court on March 11 and was found guilty of being concerned in the supply of crack cocaine and heroin and of being in possession of a prohibited item (phone) in prison.
He was sentenced on Monday, March 21 to an additional seven years and six months in prison.
Detective Sergeant Jon Leak, from Hertfordshire Constabulary’s Operation Mantis team, said: “Anthony ran the Capo line, which supplied drugs out of Watford into the Thames Valley area.
“The disruption of this line will make a significant impact on drugs use and associated crime in the region.
“It also sends a clear message that drug dealing will not go unpunished and anyone involved will be caught and jailed.
“Exploitation of vulnerable people is just one of the tragic symptoms of organised drug gangs. 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.”
You can report information about a crime online at herts.police.uk/report or speak to an operator in the Force Communications Room via online web chat, which can be launched here: herts.police.uk/contact
You also call the non-emergency number 101. If a crime is in progress call 999.
Alternatively, you can stay 100 per cent anonymous by contacting the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via their untraceable online form at crimestoppers-uk.org
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
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