A MEMBER of a gang that supplied drugs in Hertfordshire has been jailed for 54 months following an investigation into an organised crime group.

Ashley Haw, 31, was arrested whilst driving through Chorleywood on October 26, 2018.

The Kangoo van he was driving was fitted with a secret compartment in which Herts Police officers discovered 1.25 kilograms of cocaine.

Haw was also in possession of three mobile phones, including one that was encrypted.

Haw, from Church Road, Wycombe, was the fifth member of the gang to be sentenced, after pleading guilty to conspiracy to supply class A drugs (cocaine) at Harrow Crown Court on December 16.

Four other members of the gang had previously been jailed for their part in the conspiracy to supply drugs in Hertfordshire and across bordering counties.

Detective Chief Inspector Tracy Pemberton from Hertfordshire Constabulary’s Serious and Organised Crime Unit, said: “This conviction sees the conclusion of a long running investigation into one of the major drug supply networks across Hertfordshire.

“We have managed to totally dismantle this organised crime group, which has been involved not only in drug dealing but also violent crime.

“Its members, who have been sentenced to a total of more than 40 years in prison, will no longer pose a threat to the community.

“We will now apply to recover funds from bank accounts controlled by this gang under the Proceeds of Crime Act to ensure that they do not profit further from their crimes.

“These groups pose a threat to local communities and the force is committed to identifying and relentlessly pursuing individuals and networks involved in serious and organised crime.”