THREE drug dealers have been jailed following the recovery of more than £1.5million worth of cannabis.

Four men and a woman were arrested in February 2004 after police raided a large HGV yard in Ashford. Further premises in Kent and the Crystal Palace area of London followed and more than a tonne of cannabis resin and herbal cannabis was found.

John Everest, 59, from Ashford, and 66-year-old Anthony Henry from the Crystal Palace area of London were jailed for six and seven years respectively for conspiracy to supply controlled drugs.

Ron Murray, 62, from Romney Marsh, was found guilty of conspiracy to supply drugs and possession with intent to supply controlled drugs and was jailed for a total of nine years.

All three were sentenced at Canterbury Crown Court on Friday. The woman and a fourth man were found not guilty.

During the investigation, Kent Police Organised Crime Unit conducted enquiries as far afield as Spain where the bulk of the drugs originated.

DS John McDermott said: "We are extremely pleased with the result, and believe this will have a positive and resounding effect on the drugs market in Kent."