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

Two detectives, who posed as husband and wife Gary and Tina, set up home in 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 yesterday of the drugs-motivated robberies that brought terror and disruption to the residents of Grange Villa, near Chester-le-Street, County Dur-ham.

Two drug-related deaths and complaints from villagers prompted Durham Police to set up the sting.

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

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

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

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

Graham 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.