A 23-year-old Letchworth man armed with a knife has been sentenced to five years imprisonment for supplying heroin and crack cocaine in Hitchin.  

St Albans Crown Court heard Abul Kasim, of Nevilles Way, Icknield Way, Letchworth Garden City, was sentenced to four years and six months imprisonment for four counts of possession with intent to supply Class A drugs – two at Ransoms Rec in Hitchin on 11 August 2022. 

Five days later, on 16 August this year, he was arrested and charged with two further offences in Windmill Hill. He was also given six months for possession of a bladed article (knife) to run consecutively.   

He was found to have about £1,800 worth of class A drugs and £325 in cash on him when he was arrested on 11 August. On 16 August, he had £310 worth of drugs and £750 in cash.   

The judge issued a forfeiture order for the money.  

Detective Constable Rachel Williams from the Local Crime Unit said: "We were able to quickly arrest Kasim and get him before the courts with help from our Operation Scorpion team. While in custody Kasim told officers that he was selling drugs to fund his lifestyle.  

"We are pleased he received five years imprisonment as drugs blight the lives of so many people and cause harm to our communities. In addition, he equipped himself with a knife, which could have ended up with someone being seriously injured or worse. 

"I hope this reassures residents in Hitchin that we are determined to do everything we can to get drugs off the streets and shows people that it is not worth getting involved in drugs or drug related crime." 

He was sentenced on Friday, November 18.