Organised criminal jailed over supply of designer drug
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An organised criminal involved in the supply of vast quantities of Class A substances including the designer drug ‘pink cocaine’ has been jailed for 13 years.
Robbie Hasell, 35, admitted to nine drug supply charges across three separate cases after investigations by our Serious and Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) and colleagues with the Metropolitan Police.
Our investigation followed a number of warrants executed across North Essex earlier this year whereby we were able to link Hasell to messages which clearly detailed plans to supply substances including ‘pink cocaine’.
An expert drug witness explained this substance is a fairly new synthetic designer drug which, despite its street name, is not a variety of cocaine.
It is typically found in powdered form and contains a mix of illegal substances such as Ketamine and MDMA, dyed pink with food colouring.
Messages further showed conversation around the supply of large quantities of cannabis and cocaine.
On Wednesday 5 June this year, we executed a warrant at an address in Sawbridgeworth, Hertfordshire, finding Hasell at the property.
His phone was seized for further interrogation and Hasell was heard to make a significant comments about his drugs supply.
Under our SOCU investigation, Hasell, of Tanys Dell, Harlow, later admitted being concerned in the supply of cocaine, cannabis and ketamine.
He admitted separate charges of supplying cocaine and cannabis in Essex.
Under a separate Met Police investigation, he admitted conspiring to supply cocaine and cannabis, and supplying cocaine and cannabis.
On Friday 16 August at Chelmsford Crown Court, he was jailed for a total of 13 years.
'These substances are illegal for a very real reason'
Detective Inspector Frazer Low, of SOCU, said:
“This case is a prime example of the risk users take in partaking in illegal drug use.
“You never really know what the substance might contain.
“Drugs such as the those advertised in these messages rarely contain what might be suggested, it’s usually a mix of other drugs and substances.
“Our work involves targeting those criminals who stand to make real profit off the back of this awful trade.
“They may be distanced from the harm the trade in drugs causes on the streets, but they are not out of the spotlight and cannot operate with impunity.
“We are frequently able to detect and build cases against those involved in bringing Class A drugs to our streets.
“This case is just one example, and proves the serious time drug suppliers can expect to face when we catch them.”
Where can you get help?
Keeping people safe is at the heart of what we do.
Drugs are illegal for a very real reason. They are dangerous and cause real harm.
We would urge people not to take any illegal substance. You can never be sure what you are taking.
There is help available from local drug addiction services. We urge users to reach out to them.
You can find a list of local organisations offering specialist drug recovery support services on our referral services page.
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