County lines gang who smuggled drugs into Herts jailed

Dealers involved in running the ‘Ghost’ line, which brought heroin and crack cocaine from Bedfordshire to Hertfordshire between January 2021 and June 2023, were sentenced after appearing in Luton Crown Court on January 26 and February 2.

There were prison sentences for conspiracy to supply Class A drugs, a 21-year-old was jailed for being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs, and a 55-year-old was handed a suspended sentence for the same.

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Bialal Ahmed, Abid Khan. (Image: Herts Police)

During the operation, Herts Police said they identified several ‘cuckooed’ addresses of vulnerable individuals in Hemel Hempstead and safeguarded two 15-year-olds who had been exploited by the gang.

Detective Constable David Purvis said: “This gang ran the ‘Ghost’ line, which supplied drugs out of Luton into the Hemel Hempstead area.

“The disruption of this line will make a significant impact on drug 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."

Amir Hussain, Oman Sajid. (Image: Herts Police)

• Amir Hussain, 25, of Alexandra Avenue, Luton, was jailed for 12 years for conspiracy to supply Class A drugs.
• Bialal Ahmed, 22, of Beresford Road, Luton, was jailed for four years for conspiracy to supply Class A drugs.
• Abid Khan, 21, of Letchworth Road, Luton, was jailed for two years for conspiracy to supply Class A drugs.
• Oman Sajid, 21, of Priestleys, Luton, was jailed for two years and six months for being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs.
• Graham Watkins, 55, of Trent Road, Luton, was given a two-year sentence suspended for two years for being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs.
• Nasser Shabbir, 26, from Luton, was jailed for 6 years and nine months for conspiracy to supply Class A drugs.

Nasser Shabbir. (Image: Herts Police)

The Detective Constable added: “Exploitation of vulnerable young 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.”