TEN people have been sentenced to more than 21 years' jail for a string of drug offences.

They were all arrested and charged following two days of action in Yeovil tackling the problems of drug dealing and county lines in the area.

County lines is a term used to describe gangs and organised criminal networks involved in exporting illegal drugs into one or more importing areas in the UK, using dedicated mobile phone lines or other form of ‘deal line’.

Utilising vital intelligence from the local community, police conducted two days of action in July focusing on the supply of heroin and crack cocaine.

In total, 11 addresses were searched in both Liverpool and Yeovil. This resulted in the discovery of weapons, just under £3,000 of cash recovered and 157 wraps of heroin and 400 wraps of crack cocaine – with an estimated value of £5,350 – found.

The money was seized under the Proceeds of Crime Act.

The 10 defendants all appeared at Bristol Crown Court in September and were handed a range of sentences.

As well as jail terms for those convicted of supplying the drugs, several were also served a Community Behaviour Order.

Chief Inspector Sharon Baker said: "County lines not only bring drugs and associated violence into our communities but it can also exploit young and vulnerable people.

"Gangs are likely to exploit children and vulnerable adults to move and store the drugs and money, and they will often use coercion, intimidation, violence and weapons.

"This type of behaviour is a significant threat to our communities and will not be tolerated.

"We are working closely with partner agencies to identify those at risk, identify the perpetrators, disrupt the enterprises and bring offenders to justice through operations such as this one.

"These sentences should act as a warning to anyone involved in drug dealing that your actions have consequences and we will deal with you robustly.

"But we continue to need the public’s help to spot the signs and act on their concerns. Their voice will be heard and will make a difference, just like in this case where vital information allowed us to identify the offenders and present a compelling case at court."

SENTENCES:

*Katie Morgan, 30 of Yeovil, was charged with possession with intent to supply cocaine and possession with intent to supply heroin and was sentenced to six months suspended for 18 months and subject to an electronic tag for three months.

*William Cottrell, 56 of Yeovil, was charged with supplying heroin and crack cocaine. He was jailed for five years and made subject of a five-year CBO.

*Nathaniel Miles, 28 of Knowsley, Merseyside, was charged with supplying heroin and crack cocaine. He was jailed for two years and six months and made subject of a five-year CBO.

*Carlton Mullen, 19 of Knowsley, Merseyside, was charged with supplying heroin and crack cocaine. He was jailed for two years and six months and made subject of a five-year CBO.

*Kevin Connolly, 62 of Liverpool, was charged with supplying heroin and crack cocaine. He was jailed for three years and made subject of a five-year CBO.

*Jack Kenealy, 20 of no fixed address, was charged with supplying heroin and crack cocaine and possession of criminal property. He was jailed for three years and nine months and made subject of a five-year CBO.

*Leanne Skipp, 38 of Yeovil, was charged with supplying heroin and crack cocaine. She was jailed for two years and eight months and made subject of a five-year CBO.

*Elaine Shears, 47 of Langport, was charged with being concerned in the supply of heroin and crack cocaine. She was handed a two-year prison sentence suspended for two years, a six-month drug rehabilitation requirement, a three-month electronic curfew, and was made subject of a five-year CBO.

*Bethan Hayes-Drury, 27 of Sherborne, Dorset, was charged with being concerned in the supply of heroin and crack cocaine. She was sentenced to two years imprisonment suspended for two years.

*Michelle Coleman, 34 of Barnsley, was charged with supplying heroin and crack cocaine. She was jailed for two years and four months.