FOUR men and a woman from Crewe were part of an organised drugs gang who were jailed this week for a total of almost 35 years.

The group of nine men and one woman were arrested on November 6, 2014 following a series of dawn raids across Crewe, Northwich, Manchester and Staffordshire.

The raids were the culmination of several months’ undercover work by Cheshire Police into the supply of illegal Class A drugs, and led to the recovery of £220,000 worth of cocaine.

Following their arrest the nine men and one woman were charged with conspiracy to supply Class A drugs.

The gang appeared at Chester Crown Court, where the nine men pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply Class A drugs.

The woman pleaded not guilty, but following a trial at Warrington Crown Court in June was found guilty of conspiracy to supply Class A drugs.

The defendants appeared at Chester Court on Monday and Tuesday, where the judge sentenced nine of them to a total of 34 years and 10 months in prison.

Merold Stennett, 37, of Peter Place, Crewe, was sentenced to four years and four months, Dean Ashley, 25, of Heron Crescent, Crewe, was given three years and four months, Stephanie Rowley, 25, of Sunnybank Road, Crewe, was sentenced to four years, Joseph Horton, 24, of YMCA, Gresty Road, Crewe, received one year and eight months, and Danny Roberts, 28, of Richard Street, Crewe, was given a four-year term.

Sentencing for one defendant has been postponed for two weeks.

Following sentencing Det Insp Giles Pierce said: “This group brought misery to residents across Cheshire through their involvement in the supply of illegal drugs, and it is pleasing to see the sentences that have been handed down.

“Operation Impact shows the commitment Cheshire Police has in targeting people who undermine our communities and bring misery to residents through their involvement in organised crime and illegal drugs.

“I hope this case sends out a clear message to other potential criminals that drugs crime will not be tolerated in Cheshire.

“Information from members of the public is vital in the fight against drug-related crime, and we would urge anyone with any information about suspected drug-related activity in their area to get in touch.”

Anyone with any information is urged to call Cheshire Police on 101. Information can also be passed on anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.