TWO men who planned to deal drugs in Dorset have been jailed following a major police investigation.

James Cosser, 28, and Reece Barker, 23, both of Corfe Mullen, were part of a gang who would have caused “misery and devastation” in the county, police said.

The pair were charged following two detailed investigations led by Dorset Police's Major Crime Investigation Team. A total of 10 men were arrested as part of the investigations which aimed to target and disrupt organised crime groups.

Senior Investigating Officer Craig Travers said: “These convictions display our ongoing commitment to tackling organised crime groups in Dorset. I hope they act as a warning to anyone considering dealing in drugs - you will be arrested and brought to justice.

“Drug dealing, drug use and associated crimes cause nothing but devastation and misery. Dorset Police do not tolerate drug dealers in Dorset.”

The first investigation began in March 2011 when detectives launched Operation Maverick to investigate a group who were suspected of dealing in controlled drugs.

On January 18 2012 officers recovered 3.1 kilos of amphetamines from a wooded area in Corfe Mullen. This led to the arrest of Cosser and Barker.

The second investigation - Operation Ace - related to an investigation concerning the suspected distribution of controlled drugs by another organised crime group.

On October 11 2012 a small cannabis factory, 835g of Benzocaine and 800g of high purity cocaine was discovered at an address in Corfe Mullen. Subsequent forensic and phone analysis linked Cosser to the investigation.

Further seizures took place in the Dorchester area on November 9 2012 relating to this organised crime group.

Five members of this group were sentenced at Bournemouth Crown Court in June to over 35 years in jail for their part in the drugs ring.

Craig Travers said: “It is clear that James Cosser was a significant individual in both groups and his sentence reflects the serious and sustained nature of his offending.”

Cosser received a total of 10 years for conspiracy to supply class A drugs and three years for conspiracy to supply class B drugs.

Barker was jailed for three years for conspiracy to supply class B drugs.