An Arnold man was part of a six-strong gang importing drugs and counterfeit cigarettes into the UK, who were this week jailed.
Ian Oldham, 37, of Brookfield Road, Arnold, was sentenced to three years after pleading guilty to one count of conspiracy to import amphetamine sulphate.
Also jailed was Adam Vhora, 32, of Stamford Street, Awsworth, who was sentenced to 12 years in prison after being found guilty of one count of importation of cocaine. He also pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to import amphetamine sulphate and was sentenced to six years to run concurrently.
Kevin Machin, 37, of Hilcot Drive, Aspley, who was sentenced to 20 months after pleading guilty to one count of conspiracy to import amphetamine sulphate.
The convictions follow an investigation by the South East Regional Organised Crime Unit (SEROCU).
They were sentenced at Maidstone Crown Court on Friday 3 July along with three other men from Staines, Grantham and Eastchurch in Kent.
Investigating officer, Detective Inspector Mark Chapman, from SEROCU, said: “This was an intelligence led investigation into the importation of controlled drugs, class A and class B, as well as counterfeit cigarettes from the continent.
“This gang operated throughout the UK and was arrested attempting to smuggle cocaine with the street value of around £780,000 which would have been destined for the streets of South East of England.
“They also attempted to avoid duty of around £844,000 by smuggling in over 20,000 sleeves of cigarettes destined for the North West of England.
All the offences took place between October 2011 and April 2013.
