Four men, including one from Dover, have been jailed for their part in a conspiracy to smuggle cannabis into the country.

Martin Graham, 52, of Mill Race, River, said to have been an organiser both abroad and in the UK, was sentenced to the longest term of nine years.

John Williams, also an organiser, and Carlos Martinez, described as a “warehouseman”, were each sentenced to six years.

Lorry driver James Chapman was sentenced to three years to reflect the assistance he gave to the prosecution of the case.

Graham and Martinez, 39, from Orpington, denied conspiracy to supply drugs between September last year and February this year but were convicted last month.

Chapman, 37, from Lancashire, and Williams, 43, from Capel-le-Ferne, admitted the charge.

Maidstone Crown Court heard the four were arrested at an industrial unit in South Darenth, near Dartford, and 184kg of cannabis worth about £530,000 seized.

Richard Wormald, prosecuting, said Chapman “indicated a desire to assist the Crown” and helped the police during the trial.

“He has given us intelligence which may lead to the arrest of others,” he added.

The industrial unit at St Margaret’s Farm, close to the intersection of the M25 and A2, was rented by Martinez.

Chapman collected the drug consignment on the Continent and instead of driving to the north of England diverted to the unit on February 13.

Mr Wormald said the cannabis was to be divided up in the unit, packaged and sent for distribution.

Graham was in a Land Rover Discovery car with Williams at the farm. Martinez arrived in his car but when he saw the police quickly left the scene.

Mr Wormald said it was a professional and large-scale importation. “In all probability there were others in the picture and the organisation was bigger still,” he added.