Hertfordshire County Line Drug Dealers jailed – Richard Sedgwick led Lily Hines for the Crown

Richard Sedgwick and Lily Hines were instructed to prosecute two linked county line drug conspiracies running from April 2020 to December 2021, and December 2021 to March 2022. In total 10 defendants were convicted and sentenced for their involvement in the conspiracies at St Albans Crown Court.
Four defendants on trial in August 2025 pleaded guilty to all offences shortly before the close of the prosecution case, these defendants were sentenced to more than 17 years in total. One defendant was also convicted of further drug dealing in November 2022 and sentenced at the same time.
The dealing related to the operation of the ‘Q’ county drugs line which was operated from Luton into Welwyn Garden City and surrounding areas. The officer in the case, Detective Sergeant Chris Cowell of the County Lines Investigation Unit, said:
“Aftab took control the ‘Q’ line after other members of the gang were jailed, following an investigation by the County Lines Investigation Unit. We continued to monitor their activities and compile evidence to bring the remaining members to trial. Aftab used a dedicated telephone number to advertise/facilitate the sale of drugs to customers in Welwyn Hatfield. He would receive orders and then direct Tawhid or Khan to the waiting customers where drugs would be exchanged for cash. Mohammed stored drugs, cash and weapons on behalf of the group.”
Richard and Lily were instructed by Lorraine Telford of CPS Thames and Chiltern Area.