WEAVERHAM man Jonathan Murphy has been jailed for four and a half years for his role in conspiring to supply Class A drugs.

Murphy, 27, of Walnut Avenue, was one of nine people who between them were sentenced to a total of almost 35 years by Chester Crown Court.

Nine men and one woman were arrested in November 2014 following dawn raids across Crewe, Northwich, Manchester and Staffordshire.

The raids were the culmination of several months’ undercover work by Cheshire Police into the supply of illegal Class A drugs, and led to the recovery of £220,000 worth of cocaine.

Following their arrest the group were charged with conspiracy to supply Class A drugs.

They appeared at Chester Crown Court, where the nine men pleaded guilty to the charge. The woman pleaded not guilty, but following a trial was found guilty.

The defendants appeared at Chester Crown Court on Monday and Tuesday, where the judge sentenced nine of them to a total of 34 years and 10 months in prison.

Murphy was one of those sentenced, with five from Crewe and the others from Gillow Heath, Leek and Denton.

They are aged between 24 and 37, and received prison terms of between one year and eight months and six years.

Sentencing for a Congleton man was postponed for two weeks.

Following sentencing Det Insp Giles Pierce said: “This group brought misery to residents across Cheshire through their involvement in the supply of illegal drugs, and it’s pleasing to see the sentences that have been handed down.

“Operation Impact shows the commitment Cheshire Police has in targeting people who undermine our communities and bring misery to residents through their involvement in organised crime and illegal drugs.

“I hope this case sends out a clear message to other potential criminals that drugs crime will not be tolerated in Cheshire.

“Information from the public is vital in the fight against drug-related crime, and we would urge anyone with information about suspected drug-related activity in their area to get in touch.”

Anyone with information is urged to call police on 101, or anonymously on 0800 555 111.