Two drug dealers who played leading roles in a County Lines network supplying crack cocaine and heroin across Hertfordshire and beyond have been jailed for a combined total of more than 21 years.

Noble Welch and Shenice Ribeiro were part of a large-scale criminal operation which, according to the judge, had a "reach and output significantly larger" than typical drug networks.

Following a detailed investigation by Hertfordshire Constabulary's County Lines Investigation Unit, officers arrested both individuals in March 2025 at an address in Milton Keynes. Around £180,000 worth of Class A drugs, cash and multiple mobile phones were seized.

After a three-week trial at Huntingdon Crown Court, Welch and Ribeiro were found guilty of conspiracy to supply Class A drugs (cocaine and heroin) and possession of criminal property (cash).

Welch was also convicted of possessing a mobile phone while in prison and attempting to pervert the course of justice, after making more than 300 calls from his cell trying to persuade another individual to take the blame for the seized drugs. The judge described this as a "severe attempt" to interfere with justice.

At sentencing on Friday 7 November, the pair received:

• Noble Welch, 37, of Jackman Close, Milton Keynes – 14 years
• Shenice Ribeiro, 36, of Helston Place, Milton Keynes – 7 years

Detective Sergeant Christopher Cowell from the County Lines Investigation Unit said: "Welch was a major supplier of heroin and crack cocaine across the South East. During this operation we seized nearly two kilograms of Class A drugs, preventing them from reaching communities across the UK.

These sentences have dismantled a significant drug network and removed individuals who posed a serious threat to vulnerable people, especially young members of our communities. We continue to rely on the public to be our eyes and ears — together we can help keep Hertfordshire safe."

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Residents are urged to report any information about drug dealing at herts.police.uk/report, through the online web chat at herts.police.uk/contact, or by calling 101. Always dial 999 in an emergency.

You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or at crimestoppers-uk.org

Help is available for those struggling with drug addiction through Frank on 0800 77 66 00 or talktofrank.com

Since its launch in 2018, Hertfordshire's County Lines Investigation Unit has executed hundreds of search warrants, made over 540 arrests, seized more than £680,000 in cash, and helped secure sentences totalling over 1,000 years in prison for offenders involved in serious and organised crime.