Drug dealers who ran a commercial cocaine supply network in the Watford and Three Rivers areas have been jailed for more than 28 years.

The four men were arrested in 2022 following an investigation by Hertfordshire Constabulary’s specialist organised crime team, Operation Relentless.

The organised crime group ran the ‘Ace’ drug line for several years dealing cocaine. During the operation, more than nine kilograms of the drug were seized with a street value of around £900,000.   

The men appeared for sentencing at St Albans Crown Court on Friday, November 3, after pleading guilty at an earlier hearing.

Watford Observer: Scott Hocking.Scott Hocking. (Image: Herts Police)

  • Chas Wright, 28, of Mancroft Road, Caddington, was sentenced to ten years for conspiracy to supply class A drugs (cocaine)
  • Scott Hocking, 26, of St Albans Road, Watford, was sentenced to seven years for conspiracy to supply class A drugs (cocaine)
  • Mkamba Panda, 31, of no fixed address, was sentenced to seven years for conspiracy to supply class A drugs (cocaine)
  • Paul Robinson, 62, of Crescent Road, London, was sentenced to four years and ten months for conspiracy to supply class A drugs (cocaine).

Watford Observer: Chas Wright.Chas Wright. (Image: Herts Police)

Wright, who fled to Spain before returning to the UK several weeks later, was also handed a serious crime prevention order, which will commence upon his release.

Tyler McConnon, 28, of Southwold Road, Watford, who was part of the same group, was previously sentenced to seven years and six months.

Detective Inspector Grant Finnie, from Hertfordshire Constabulary’s Operation Relentless team, said: “This organised crime group, led by Wright, ran a major cocaine supply network which blighted the Watford and Three Rivers areas for many years.

Watford Observer: Paul Robinson.Paul Robinson. (Image: Herts Police)

“Successfully dismantling such a significant network will have a big impact on drug use and associated crime within these parts of the county.”

He added the sentencing will send a message to drug gangs that police are watching and they will face long-term jail sentences.

“Organised crime groups use violence, supply drugs and commit a whole range of crimes that pose a real threat to the community, DI Finnie said. “Operation Relentless is Hertfordshire Constabulary’s response to this on-going threat.”