Police have carried out warrants at several addresses across London as part of an investigation into a County Lines drug network operating in Stevenage.

Officers from the Operation Mantis team, who were supported by officers from Operation Scorpion and Safer Neighbourhood Teams, entered the addresses on Wednesday, October 27.

Three men were arrested and later charged with conspiracy to supply Class A drugs and possession with intent to supply Class A drugs (crack cocaine and heroin).

The men were also charged with human trafficking offences, for exploitation of a 15-year-old boy, who was coerced into selling drugs at the address on their behalf.

The three charged are:

Dreyon Ford, aged 20, of Minet Avenue, Brent

Daniel Bamfo, aged 18, of Woodstock Gardens, Ilford

Isahaq Nur, aged 20, of Vicarage Rd, Tottenham.

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All three have been remanded into custody to appear at court on November 29.

Detective Sergeant Jon Leak, from Hertfordshire Constabulary's specialist County Lines Op Mantis team, said: "We are constantly working to tackle those who are involved in County Lines gangs and their associated drug dealing and criminality.

"These gang members do not hesitate to use violence and exploit the vulnerable, often recruiting children online via social media, to run drugs.

"They take over the homes of vulnerable people in the community – known as 'cuckooing' - to use it as a base to run their drug dealing operations from.

"Although Hertfordshire does not have a major problem with County Lines, it is a growing national issue that we are determined to tackle through early disruption."

Anyone with information is asked to contact Hertfordshire Constabulary via the non-emergency number 101 or report information online at www.herts.police.uk/report.

Alternatively, you can contact the independent crime-fighting charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or through their Anonymous Online Form at www.crimestoppers-uk.org. No personal details are taken, information cannot be traced or recorded and you will never need to go to court.