Three years behind bars for drug dealer arrested in Royston raid

Drugs equipment seized by police in the Royston raid in June (Image: Archant)

Gary Fielding, 44, of Mill Road, was taken into custody in June after a search warrant was obtained for his home and officers from Royston Safer Neighbourhood Team and the North Herts Operation Scorpion team mounted a joint operation, which Crow reporter Rebecca Day was invited to join.

Cannabis and cocaine worth £5,000 together with drugs paraphernalia - including weighing scales and deal bags - were seized from the premises.

The arrest was made following an investigation by the Royston team and tip-offs from the public.

PC Mark Ellwood, who led the operation, said: “Fielding was dealing drugs from his home address and being visited by many people at his flat at all times during the day or night.

Police raided the house in Mill Road, Royston, in June (Image: Archant)

“This was causing a great deal of distress to the people that lived around him.

“The amount of drugs seized was significant and I am really pleased with the result of the sentencing.

“I hope it sends a clear message to anyone involved in drugs in Royston that we are determined to drive drugs out of the town and deal with offenders robustly.

“Through our own investigations and information from the public, we can work together to keep Royston safe and I would strongly encourage people to always report suspicious activity to us.

“Crime or suspicious activity can be reported to us via the police non-emergency number 101 or dial 999 if you witness an offence in progress. Alternatively call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

Operation Scorpion is Hertfordshire’s initiative to drive down serious acquisitive crime, relentlessly pursue criminals, bring them to justice and make the county a more hostile place in which to operate.

The team targets burglars, robbers and those involved in drug and vehicle-related crime.