TEN men involved in a multi-million pound Oxford-based drug ring have been jailed for a total of 87 years at Oxford Crown Court.

A judge handed the group prison sentences ranging from five to 18 years for three conspiracies to supply Class A drugs, some of which had been imported into the UK from the Netherlands.

As part of Operation Strix, officers from Thames Valley Police used covert surveillance and bugging to seize almost 15kg of cocaine and 7kg of heroin, worth up to an estimated £24m if sold on the streets.

The leading figure in the conspiracies, Martin Gray, 32, of Randolph Avenue, Woodstock, was jailed for 18 years by Judge Ian Pringle, who described drug dealing as a "scourge" on society.

Prosecutor Michael Roques said the drug dealing plots were “sophisticated” and the case involved 10 defendants: eight who were part of conspiracies, one who allowed his premises to be used for drug dealing, and a driver who imported drugs into the country.

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Property seized during the investigation included £46,000 in cash, three diamonds worth £3,740, and two watches worth £11,000, the barrister said.

 

 
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There were also hydraulic presses for processing cocaine, electronic scales, large quantities of “cutting agents” used to prepare drugs and two lock knives.