An Addelstone man has become the latest drug dealer jailed in a huge police operation across North Surrey.

Daniel John, 27, of Green Lane, was sentenced to three years and four months in prison for dealing Class A drugs when he appeared at Guildford Crown Court on February 12.

Last month, Colleen Kennedy, 28, also from Addlestone, was sentenced to two years in prison and given a five year Criminal Behaviour Order after being convicted for supplying class A drugs at the same court.

Sixteen other people are already behind bars for a total of 48 years following Surrey Police's intelligence-led operation, which was set up to disrupt drug dealing, and the associated criminality it brings, across “county lines” - networks which are formed to sell illegal drugs across county borders.

This resulted in 200 officers carrying out 19 search warrants in Addlestone, Cobham, Sunbury, Stanwell, Chertsey, Walton, Epsom and West Mercia on November 7, 2017.

North Surrey Detective Inspector Dee Fielding said: “The sentencing of Daniel John means that another drug dealer has been taken off our streets and now means that 18 people are in prison as a result of our operation.

“These sentences act as a reminder to dealers looking to sell drugs in Surrey that their criminality won’t be tolerated.

“Drug dealing can damage lives and tear communities apart and brings with it increased levels of crimes such as theft and anti-social behaviour.

“Vulnerable members of the community are also often exploited or coerced into selling drugs or providing a base from which to do so, known as cuckooing.”

DI Fielding said the people of Surrey can “play a part”, adding: “Working with us by reporting anything suspicious will enable us to better support and protect our communities.

“If you would rather report information anonymously, you can do so via Crimestoppers.”

Among those convicted of supplying Class A drugs were

• Mark Ash, 38, of Rudge Rise, Addlestone, charged with three offences and imprisoned for three years and four months;

• Liam Williams, 30, of Stoneleigh Broadway, Epsom, charged with one offence and imprisoned for two years and three months

• Bradley Purssey, 27, of High Street, Addlestone, charged with three offences and imprisoned for two years and six months

If you have information about suspected drug dealing or you feel a vulnerable person is being exploited, you can call 101 or visit the Surrey Police website: www.surrey.police.uk.

Alternatively you can report any information anonymously to Crimestoppers via www.crimestoppers-uk.org or on 0800 555 111.