A trio jailed over hazardous fake heroin include a Watford man set to face seven-and-a-half years.

Residents were warned following several medical episodes in the town earlier this year after possibly taking synthetic opioids under the guise of heroin.

Herts Police’s Serious and Organised Crime Team launched an investigation into a particular drugs line, called the 'Chris Line', which was suspected of being involved in their supply.

Daniel Harlley. (Image: Herts Police)

The force has now confirmed that three men in their 20s were remanded and brought before court as a result of the operation. Substances believed to be class A drugs were also seized.

Yesterday (August 29), three men were sentenced after being found guilty of conspiracy to supply class A drugs in St Albans Crown Court at the end of a six day trial.

  • Daniel Harlley, 29, of Vicarage Road, Watford, was sentenced to 7 years and 6 months.
  • Deejay Evans, 21, of Fairlawn Close, Feltham, was sentenced to 2 years and 11 months.
  • Yannick Lomete, 29, from Islington, was sentenced to 4 years and 9 months.

Yannick Lomete (Image: Herts Police)

Detective Inspector Grant Finnie said: “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.

“We understand the impact county lines has on communities and these sentences reflect how seriously we take this kind of activity.

Deejay Evans.(Image: Herts Police)

“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.”

Warning the public over the dangerous batch in March, police said that it could be far more potent than heroin and could lead to overdose, cardiac arrest or death.

At the time, Watford Chief Inspector Andy Wiseman said police “would never condone the use of illegal substances” but added the force was realistic about the fact that people do suffer with addictions and so had a duty to warn them.