A man has been charged and two others have been arrested after residents reported concerns about drugs in a Hatfield neighbourhood.

On Friday 14 March, the Welwyn Hatfield Neighbourhood Policing Team carried out targeted patrols in the High Dells area. It followed reports from residents in the area about suspected drug dealing/use and associated anti-social behaviour.

Officers stopped a vehicle of interest and conducted a stop search on three occupants. A quantity of cash and several phones were located and seized.

Bartosz Baranowski, age 24 of Chennells, Hatfield, was arrested and charged with possession with intent to supply a class B drug (cannabis) and possession of an offensive weapon.

As part of enquiries, a house was searched and two knuckledusters were seized. Officers also searched a garage and found 1.8kg of cannabis which was seized.

Two others – a 23 year old man from Borehamwood and a 21 year old man from Hatfield – were arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of controlled drugs. They have been bailed while enquiries continue.

PC Martin Field, from the Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “We hope this news reassures you that we listen to your concerns and act on them.

“Drugs inflict misery on communities and we will continue doing everything we can to tackle the issue.

“If you have concerns about drugs in your area please do not hesitate to get in touch. You can also stay completely anonymous by contacting the charity Crimestoppers which is independent from police.”

You can also report information online at herts.police.uk/report, speak to an operator in our Force Communications Room via our online web chat at herts.police.uk/contact or call the non-emergency number 101. 

Alternatively, you can stay 100% anonymous by contacting the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via their untraceable online form at crimestoppers-uk.org.

In an emergency, or if you suspect a crime is in progress, always call 999.

You can use our community voice platform ‘echo’ to let us know what you think we should be prioritising in your area. Your feedback will help towards shaping our local policing priorities, initiatives and campaigns. Visit bit.ly/hertspolice-psf and tell us your thoughts.