'Major' Hemel Hempstead county lines drug gang jailed

In total, the four men pictured in images released by Herts Police today (September 8) are set to face almost 30 years in prison for running the drugs supply network in the Hemel Hempstead area.

Between May and December 2021, they used the homes of several vulnerable people as a base to sell class A drugs.

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Tyrese Abbas (Image: Herts Police)

All four were handed prison sentences for the same offence, conspiracy to supply class A drugs (crack cocaine and heroin), after being arrested in December 2021 following a long-running investigation.

Tolga Ahmet (Image: Herts Police)

• Tolga Ahmet, 23, of Whitethorn Street, London, was sentenced to nine years and one month.
• Tyrese Abbas, 22, of Buckingham Road, Bletchley, was sentenced to eight years and six months.
• David Charles, 49, of Oban Street, London, was sentenced to six years and four months.
• Joe Naulls-Buttigieg, 26, of Eric Street, London, was sentenced to five years and three months.

David Charles (Image: Herts Police)

They were sentenced at St Albans Crown Court on Wednesday (September 6), having pleaded guilty at an earlier hearing.

Detective Sergeant Chris Cowell said: “This gang ran a major drug supply network in the Hemel area, dealing in crack cocaine and heroin using several cuckooed properties as a base for their criminal activities.

“Successfully dismantling another significant network will have a big impact on drug use and associated crime within Hemel Hempstead and surrounding areas. This will also send a message to anyone involved in drug dealing that we are watching and they will be caught and face long jail terms.”

Joe Naulls-Buttigieg (Image: Herts Police)

Cuckooing is the term used when gangs establish a base in the location they are targeting, often taking over the homes of vulnerable adults by force or coercion.

“Exploitation of vulnerable people is just one of the tragic symptoms of organised drug gangs," Detective Sergeant Cowell added.

"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.”