TWO Hereford drug dealers have been jailed for running a cocaine supplying operation.

Lee Jones, aged 37, of Whitecross Road, Hereford, was sentenced to three years at Worcester Crown Court yesterday (May 13) after pleading guilty to being concerned in the supply of cocaine. 

Meanwhile, Lewis Hughes-Cound, 26, of Hever Road, Lower Bullingham, Hereford, was sentenced to 33 months after admitting to being concerned in the cocaine and possession of cocaine and was sentenced to 33 months.

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The pair were arrested by police after suspected drug dealing was reported in the city centre.

Officers from Hereford Proactive CID located them in a local pub. Hughes-Cound was found in possession of class A drugs and Jones had cash.

A search of addresses linked to the suspects resulted in the discovery of a large quantity of cocaine with a street value of £11,500.  Police also recovered scales, cash, deal bags and other drug supply paraphernalia.

Meanwhile, Emelia Lal, 24, of Whitecross Road, Hereford was given a 21-month suspended sentence after pleading guilty to being concerned in the supply of cocaine.

All three were arrested on Monday, March 11 before being charged.

Detective Constable Verity Farr, of Hereford CID, said: “We welcome yesterday’s sentencing which reflects the severity of offending.

“The supply of controlled drugs into our communities causes misery and suffering and destroys lives. Officers from the proactive CID team work tirelessly to combat drug supply and work with partners to ensure those who cause harm to our communities are relentlessly pursued and brought to justice.

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“Jones, Lal and Hughes-Cound were involved in a drugs supply operation benefitting financially from the suffering of others.

“Their imprisonment simply marks another step in the fight against drug supply, and officers continue to track those who operate at the highest level of criminality.”

Any signs of criminal activity can be reported to police via the 'report a crime' section of West Mercia Police's website. 

Alternatively, if you're nor comfortably speaking to police, you report information anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or crimestoppers-uk.org