TWO MEN from the Southampton area have pleaded guilty to supplying cocaine as part of a national network.

Martyn McGhee, 53, of International Way, Southampton, has pleaded guilty to conspiring to supply cocaine.

Meanwhile, his co-defendant, Ryan Playford, 48, of The Farthings, Warsash, pleaded guilty to conspiring to supply cocaine and cannabis.

He also pleaded guilty to conspiring with others to possess/purchase/acquire prohibited weapons – handguns and conspiring with others to sell or transfer unauthorized firearms or ammunition.

Playford pleaded guilty to an unrelated count of fraud by false representation.

Both men appeared at Portsmouth Crown Court today.

It comes following an investigation by specialist officers from the South East Regional Organised Crime Unit (SEROCU).

McGhee and Playford were arrested on July 7 this year and charged the following day.

Detective Inspector Clair Trueman, the senior investigating officer from SEROCU, said: “This case shows that we will relentlessly pursue those involved in the supply of Class A drugs and firearms offences. This sort of criminal activity causes immeasurable harm to our communities.

“The overwhelming evidence presented resulted in Playford and McGhee entering guilty pleas for these serious offences.”

Playford and McGhee were remanded in custody and are due to be sentenced at the same court on December 10.