A major drugs ring, that was distributing crack cocaine and heroin, has been smashed after a three-month undercover operation by Kent Police.

After a series of trials 19 people were sentenced to a total of more than 40 years behind bars.

Kent Police's Serious and Organised Crime Unit targeted the network following research into Class A drug distribution in the Tunbridge Wells and Tonbridge area. Between August and October 2007, police gathered evidence against a network of drug suppliers.

The officers seized drugs, which were sent off to forensics for analysis, and evidence was gathered to build the case.

Audio: Sgt Keith Roberts from Kent Police Serious Organised Crime

On February 29 last year, Kent Police led a force-wide strike day to raid various addresses around the county. People identified as being part of the network were arrested and charged.

Detective Inspector Tom Richards from Kent Police's Serious and Organised Crime Unit says: "This investigation was launched to investigate drugs supply in West Kent. Our aim was to get to the people actively distributing heroin and crack cocaine and getting them off the streets. The covert work was just one aspect of the investigation."

Det Insp Richards added: "It is testament to the hard work of these officers that there was a 100 per cent conviction rate in this case and all of the network are now serving their sentences."