A DRUGS gang have been sentenced to more than 18 years in prison after a police crack down in Southampton.

Operation Elation saw a team of officers from Hampshire Constabulary targeting a number of people suspected of being involved in the conspiracy to supply drugs as part of the 'Mitch' network.

The three men and two women were all found guilty of conspiracy to supply drugs and were today sentenced to prison time.

Detective Inspector Mandy Horsburgh, said: “This investigation saw us target those working at all levels of the Mitch network.

"These people are responsible for bringing misery to members of the Southampton community over a four month period. "This investigation followed a drugs warrant which was executed at an address on Millbrook Road East on February 27, 2013.

"We worked through all the information and evidence uncovered, and traced back to those involved in the supply chain as part of the Mitch network; ultimately leading us to Jermaine Denty and George Olong.

"The judge commended the work of all officers and staff involved in this operation.

"These sentences should act as a stark warning to anyone who feels they can get involved in the supply of drugs in our City, that they will be caught and we will work tirelessly to put them before the courts regardless of whether they reside locally or outside of Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.

"We will continue to work to reduce violence and the supply of drugs, bring offenders to justice and rebuild our communities. If you’re concerned about drugs in your neighbourhood, let us know. The more we know, the more we can do about it.

Daily Echo: Jermaine Denty

Jermaine Denty, 22, of Westport Road, Plaistow, London was convicted of conspiracy to supply heroin and crack cocaine and sentenced to seven years in prison.

Daily Echo: George Olong

George Olong, 24, of Yew Avenue, West Drayton, London was convicted of conspiracy to supply heroin and crack cocaine and sentenced to seven years in prison.

Chloe Webster, 24, (pictured at the top of the article) previously of The Embankment, Millbrook Road East, Southampton was convicted of conspiracy to supply heroin and crack cocaine and was sentenced to 26 months in prison.

Krystal Benjamin, 24, previously The Embankment, Millbrook Road East, Southampton was convicted of conspiracy to supply heroin and crack cocaine and was sentenced to 18 months in prison.

Orlando Springer, 20, Homefield Road, Walton on Thames, Surrey was convicted of conspiring to supply Class A drugs and was sentenced to 10 months in prison.