Several police teams carried out warrants targeting gangs involved in drug dealing across the Eastern region and London.
Hertfordshire Constabulary’s Operation Mantis team was supported by teams from the Local Policing Command, the Metropolitan Police’s Operation Orochi unit, British Transport Police, the Eastern Regional Special Operations Unit and the National Crime Agency.
The teams raided addresses in Hemel Hempstead, St Albans and Tring, as well as in Bedfordshire, Oxford and North London. During the operations, 23 people were arrested, and officers seized heroin, cocaine and cannabis with a street value of more than £320,000. Officers also recovered weapons including three replica firearms, phones and cash.
Of those arrested, 17 have been charged with conspiracy to supply class A drugs:
- Emile Kasa-Puna, 22, of Holbrook Close, Enfield.
- Chacha Mwita, 19, of Albert Street, Tring.
- Enoch Mwita, 20, of Albert Street, Tring.
- Adeel Mahmood, 24, of Nashleigh Hill, Chesham.
- Darren Isaac, 53, of Penrose Court, Hemel Hempstead.
- Courtney Miller-Cross, 26, of Burymead, Stevenage.
- Shaun Holligan, 26, of no fixed address.
- Callum Gates, 28, of Westerdale, Hemel Hempstead.
- Bryn Pinching, 30, of Cuffley Court, Hemel Hempstead.
- Phillip Ogundipe, 38, of Peregrine Close, Hemel Hempstead.
- Noble Walch, 37, of Eaton Leys, Milton Keynes.
- Shenice Rebeiro, 35, of Fishermead, Milton Keynes.
- Kaiden Jones, 20, Collett Drive, Oxford.
- Simon Burte, 47, of Baker Street, Luton.
- Kevin Nketia, 20, of Iddesleigh Road, Bedford.
- Angel Lacatus, 20, Clyde Square, Hemel Hempstead.
- James Stutter, 45, of no fixed address.
All have been remanded into custody.
Also arrested were:
- A 19-year-old man from London Colney
- A 22-year-old man from Chesham.
- A 41-year-old man from St Albans.
- A 24-year-old man from Tring.
- A 49-year-old woman from Tring.
- A 39-year-old man from St Albans.
All have been released whilst the investigation continues.
Detective Chief Inspector Mark Clawson, from the constabulary’s Serious and Organised Crime Command, said: “This operation targeted the numerous drug lines that were supplying drugs into the Hemel Hempstead area, which we have been investigating since January 2025.
“During the operation, we searched multiple addresses, seizing tens of thousands of pounds’ worth of cash and drugs, including a huge quantity of crack cocaine and heroin, as well as three replica handguns.
“As part of the Clear, Hold, Build program we are running in Hemel Hempstead, we are clearing out county lines gangs and safeguarding vulnerable members of the community who are most at risk.”
Detective Chief Superintendent Adam Ghaboos, head of crime and Safeguarding, said: “County Lines drug dealing exploits young people, spreads misery, and is closely associated with violence. Young people drawn into this lifestyle often have unrealistic expectations of wealth and luxury; however, the reality is starkly different. They lose autonomy over their movements and schedules, do not retain any earnings, and face significant risks of serious violence. For those being exploited who wish to escape, support and protection are available through Hertfordshire Constabulary and our partnership initiatives.
“Through multiple arrests, shutting down distribution lines, and confiscating drugs and cash, we are creating a hostile environment for dealers and strongly deterring anyone considering the trafficking of class A drugs into Hertfordshire.”
Jonathan Ash-Edwards, Hertfordshire Police and Crime Commissioner, said: “County lines drug supply has a harmful impact on neighbourhoods, which can result in violence, exploitation and people feeling less safe in their community. It is essential that robust enforcement action is taken to disrupt drug supply and close down county lines operating in Hertfordshire. It was useful to join the early morning operation to get a real sense of how these gangs are operating across county boundaries and see the impressive work the police are doing.
“Hertfordshire is a safe place and I want to keep it that way by ensuring pressure is maintained so that dealers knows they face the real prospect of being arrested if they operate in our county.”
Councillor Simy Dhyani, deputy leader of Dacorum Borough Council and portfolio holder for housing and property services, said: “Making our neighbourhoods safer has always been a priority for me, and this is a great example of what we can achieve when we work together. Thanks to the Clear, Hold, Build programme and strong partnership efforts, we have made 23 arrests, mostly for drug-related crimes. But this is not just about tackling criminals—it is about protecting vulnerable people and making sure our communities feel safe and supported. We are going to keep up the pressure and make sure county lines gangs have no place in Dacorum”.
If you have information about vehicle theft you can report it online at herts.police.uk/report, speak to an operator in the Force Communications Room via the online web chat at herts.police.uk/contact or call the non-emergency number 101.
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
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