POLICE who spent six months undercover saw the criminals they befriended sent to prison.

Two detectives, who posed as husband and wife Gary and Tina, set up home in Grange Villa, a village overrun with drug dealers and users.

Later, the pair introduced a third detective as their friend Eddie, a long-distance lorry driver.

Heroin addict Helen Embleton, 28, headed a 12-strong crime network that resulted in dozens of charges relating to drugs, robbery and violence.

Newcastle Crown Court was told last Friday of the drugs-motivated robberies that brought terror and disruption to the residents of Grange Villa, near Chester-le-Street.

Two drug-related deaths and complaints from villagers prompted Durham Police to set up the sting - Operations Rocky and Yacca. The undercover project led to Durham Constabulary's biggest drugs bust.

Chris Knox, prosecuting, told the court how 'Gary' was sold heroin, crack cocaine and stolen credit cards and documents.

Helen Embleton, described as the mastermind of the operation, bought drugs in bulk from Middlesbrough dealer Ayub Ali, 39, and used her husband, David, and Graham Park, 26, as delivery men.

At dawn on March 17, police sealed off the seven-street hamlet and raided 20 properties, making 18 arrests.

Judge Tim Hewitt told the group: "It is apparent that a number of you were responsible for infecting this close and law-abiding community with drugs and crime.

Helen Embleton, 28, of Brookside, Sacriston, admitted conspiracy to supply drugs, two burglaries and a theft. She was jailed for nine years.

Judge Hewitt told Embleton: "You, closely assisted by your husband David, were at the centre of this."

David Embleton, 36, of the same address, admitted conspiracy to supply drugs, five burglaries and four thefts. He was jailed for nine years.

Park, 26, of Rothsay, Ouston, admitted conspiracy to supply drugs and was jailed for seven years.

Craig Woodier, 26, of Leven Street, Middlesbrough, admitted conspiracy to supply drugs. He was jailed for 30 months.

Ayub Ali, 39, of Weardale Place, Stockton, who admitted conspiracy to supply drugs, was jailed for three-and-a-half years.

Judge Hewitt offered his praise to all 250 officers involved in the operations, in particular 'Gary, Tina and Eddie.