THE final member of a multi-million pound drugs gang was tonight (Monday, November 17) starting a two-year prison sentence.

Twelve men arrested as part of Operation Skyhawk have already been sentenced to more than 60 years in prison.

The gang were caught following a major police operation which saw 200 officers raid properties across County Durham and Merseyside in February last year.

Jonathan Lee admitted being concerned in the supply of class A drugs earlier this year and returned to Teesside Crown Court today (Monday, November 17) for sentencing.

The 35-year-old, of Duncombe Bank, Ferryhill, was said to have played a “restricted role” in the cross-Pennines cocaine and cannabis plot after he was seen carrying a drawstring bag containing around £10,000.

Judge Howard Crowson told Lee that although his involvement was restricted, he could not suspend any prison sentence due to the magnitude of the plot.

Other members were from elsewhere in County Durham, Tyneside, Leeds, Manchester, Liverpool.

During the police operation, a haul of nearly two kilograms of cocaine worth more than £480,000 was seized in September 2012, while 24kg of cannabis resin, worth £31,000, was seized in November.

Police also intercepted significant quantities of cash in transit being moved around by the group, and three separate seizures of cash were identified, totalling £118,335.

Detective Chief Inspector Victoria Fuller said: “This demonstrates that the people taken out as part of Operation Skyhawk were at the top of their game and the sentences handed down by the courts reflect that.”

Anyone with information about drug dealing can call the police on 101, or Crimestoppers on 0800-555-111.