DRUGS squad police officers praised a judge for jailing two drugs dealers caught during a covert operation.

The two men were found guilty of supplying cocaine in the Guisborough area during March last year.

Police said the pair were convicted at Teesside Crown Court earlier this month after undercover police observed them operating in the town.

Police told the court the pair had sold cocaine at several locations in Guisborough Town Centre including a number of pubs.

One man in his twenties was sentenced to three-and-a-half years in jail, the other to two-and-a-half years.

Det Sgt Mick Napper, of Langbaurgh Drugs Squad, said: "These are excellent sentences handed out by the court and give the clear message that dealing with Coke is a serious offence and those convicted face lengthy sentences."