A GANG of men have been jailed for a total of 19 years after admitting drugs offences.

Reece Barker, Martin Clarke, Scott Cowley and a fourth man - who cannot currently be named - were sent to prison by a judge at Bournemouth Crown Court.

Barker, 23 and of Corfe Mullen, was jailed for four years and six months after admitting conspiracy to supply class A and B drugs.

Clarke, 33, also of Corfe Mullen, was handed a five-and-a-half-year prison term for conspiracy to supply class A drugs.

Cowley, 30 and of Poole, was sentenced to four years in prison for possession with intent to supply class A drugs.

A fourth man, aged 25 and from Dorset, was jailed for five years and two months for conspiracy to supply class A drugs. He cannot be named as he is part of ongoing court proceedings.

The convictions follow an operation which started in the summer of 2013 run by Zephyr, the South West Regional Organised Crime Unit, and Dorset Police.

During the investigation officers recovered £24,000 in cash and a quantity of drugs including benzocaine, which is a cutting agent used for adulterating cocaine.

Detectives also discovered a press in a garage owned by Clarke which is routinely used for pressing cocaine and other drugs.

Purbeck Neighbourhood Inspector Fiona Gaffney said: “These sentences reflect the serious nature of the offences under investigation. The supply of class A drugs has an impact on the safety of the community and I am pleased that these men have been brought to justice.

“I would like to reassure residents that the Purbeck area is an extremely safe place to live and we will continue to work with Zephyr to ensure it stays this way.

“I am extremely keen to hear from anyone who has any information regarding the supply of controlled drugs in our communities. Please call Dorset Police on 101, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111."