NINE people have been sentenced for their part in peddling heroin and cocaine across Hampshire.

The seven men and two women were sentenced to a total of 31 years in prison for conspiracy to supply Class A drugs after the sentence hearing at Winchester Crown Court.

Judge Andrew Barnett singled out Nathan Mullings as being the “leading light” of a “concerted, determined and professional” organisation that dealt the drugs between July 2013 and May 2014.

Mullings, 25, of Willoughby Way, Winklebury, Basingstoke, was sentenced to six years in prison.

The other defendants sentenced were:

• Joshua Taylor, 24, of Lindisfarne Close, Popley, Basingstoke, sentenced to six-and-a-half years in prison,

• Paul Liddle, 28, of Normanton Road, Oakridge, Basingstoke, sentenced to six years and three months in prison,

• Joel Elie, 25, of Shelley Close, Popley, Basingstoke, sentenced to two years and eight months in prison,

• Solomon Bramble, 26, of no fixed abode, sentenced to two years and eight months in prison,

• Luke Woolford, 30, of Melrose Walk, Popley, Basingstoke, sentenced to three years and six months in prison,

• Ciaran Boyle, 21 of Main Road,Otterbourne, sentenced to three years and six months in prison,

• Jessica Thomas, 25, of Abbey Road, Popley, Basingstoke, sentenced to two years in prison, suspended for two years, with 150 hours unpaid work,

• Leanne Cambianica, 22, of Foxdown, Overton, sentenced to 20 months in prison, suspended for two years, with 150 hours unpaid work.

Detective Constable Jonathan Ramchurn from Northern Investigation Team said: “This investigation saw us target those working at all levels of the CJ and James networks.

"These people are responsible for bringing misery to members of the Basingstoke community over a ten month period between July 2013 and May 2014.

"This investigation followed a drugs warrant which was executed at an address on Abbey Road on March 5, 2014.

"We worked through all the information and evidence uncovered, and traced back to those involved in the supply chain as part of the CJ network; ultimately leading us to Nathan Mullings.

"The judge commended the work of all officers and staff involved in this operation.

"These sentences should act as a stark warning to anyone who feels they can get involved in the supply of drugs in our town, that they will be caught and we will work tirelessly to put them before the courts regardless of whether they reside locally or outside of Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.

"We will continue to work to reduce violence and the supply of drugs, bring offenders to justice and rebuild our communities.

"If you’re concerned about drugs in your neighbourhood, let us know. The more we know, the more we can do about it."