TWO men have been jailed for a total of seven years for their parts in a drug-dealing network.

Neil Hoban, 40, of Tamwell Close, Stockton, was sentenced to five years and seven months and Martin Lewis, 18, of Braid Crescent, Billingham, near Stockton, received 20 months at Maidstone Crown Court, Kent, yesterday.

They both admitted conspiracy to supply drugs following the recovery of 17kg of amphetamine from a house in Braid Crescent.

Richard Wheeler, 43, and Nicholas Yates, 37, both of Kent, were sentenced to a total of 18 years in prison.

The men were caught by Cleveland and Kent police during a longrunning investigation called Operation Kiev. In total, 18 people received more than 70 years in prison.

At least 24kg of amphetamine, 750 grams of crack cocaine, 336 grams of powdered cocaine and 300 ecstasy tablets were recovered, with a street value of £3.2m. Police also seized £48,000 in cash. Detective Chief Inspector Rob Donaghy, of Cleveland Police, who led the investigation, said: “We have totally dismantled the group, smashing their dealer network.

Drug dealing has no boundaries and this investigation demonstrates how effectively we work with colleagues and others to pursue dealers to protect our communities.

“Having secured convictions we will now utilise the Proceeds of Crime Act to recover any monies gained from this illicit trade.”