Three men involved in the distribution of more than £135,000 of fake banknotes have been jailed.

James Brennan, 36, of Eastern Gardens, Ashford, Frazer North, 33, of Tillingbourne Green, Orpington, and Daniel Chapman, 42, of The Downage, Gravesend, were all sentenced for their part in the conspiracy at Maidstone Crown Court today.

Their crimes came to light on Sunday, July 10, last year, when police found £1,000 of forged £20 notes during a search of North's home in connection with an unrelated incident.

Further investigation, including analysis of his mobile phone, linked hum to Brennan and Chapman, with the latter having obtained the cash from an unknown third party.

During a search of his home on Thursday, November 10, officers found another £40,000 of fake notes.

The trio were going to sell them for between £2 and £5 each and would only accept a minimum order of £1,000 cash.

All three men pleaded guilty to conspiracy to deliver counterfeit currency on Tuesday, May 9, with Brennan also pleading guilty to possession of a stun gun, two counts of offering to supply cannabis, and one count of producing cannabis.

Chapman further pleaded guilty to possession of criminal property and controlling counterfeit currency, while North admitted two counts of possession with intent to supply cannabis and one count of controlling counterfeit currency.

Brennan was jailed for seven years and eight months today, Chapman for two years and eight months, and North received a custodial sentence of four years and two months.

Senior investigating officer Detective Inspector James Derham said: "Counterfeit currency has a damaging effect on the economy, and the notes these men were found with were destined for the wallets, purses and cash registers of honest and hard-working Kent residents.

"While each note was being sold on the black market for up to £5 each, in reality they were completely worthless and could have resulted in innocent people being out of pocket.

"I am pleased with the sentences imposed on Daniel Chapman, Frazer North and James Brennan and hope this results sends a strong message to others that this type of criminal activity is unacceptable.

"Anyone who receives what they believe to be a counterfeit note is advised to hand it in to their local police station or call 101."

The investigation into the group’s activities was carried out by specialist officers from the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate, with assistance from the UK National Central Office at the National Crime Agency.

Information to help people identify genuine banknotes that can be accessed at bankofengland.co.uk.