Six people have been jailed for their part in large-scale dealing in hard drugs in Maidstone.

Stephen Ingram, who allowed his home in Marion Crescent, Maidstone, to be used for the distribution of heroin and crack cocaine, was sentenced to two-and-a-half years.

The longest sentence of eight years was passed on Louis Ajufo, the pivotal link in the distribution network, running a "call centre" from his home in Marlow, Buckinghamshire.

Known as Jay, he coordinated runners, dealers and users. He had previously been jailed for similar offences.

Maidstone Crown Court heard police acted between April and October last year to crackdown on dealing in the area.

Addicts called Ajufo, 24, and he told them to meet dealers at various locations in the town.

Runners would collect drugs from Sabrina Walcott, 25, at her home in Highbury, North London. They would then be taken to Maidstone.

"We say she was at the core of the distribution network," said prosecutor Alan Walmsley.

The proceeds of dealing would be taken to her, along with unsold drugs.

Ryan Rooney, 19, of Leyton, East London, was arrested close to Cornwallis Park in Maidstone, an area that cropped up constantly in the conspiracy, said the prosecutor.

He had a drawstring bag, containing six wraps of heroin and six of cocaine, hanging from his private parts.

Aaron Carriere, 17, of Leytonstone, East London, was 16 when seen hanging around Cornwallis Park and acting suspicious in Sandling Road.

He was seen dealing down an alleyway and, when arrested, he had 10 wraps in his trousers, £162 cash and a CS gas canister in his jacket.

Mario Navacroft, 23, of Walthamstow, East London, was stopped as he drove away from the Premier Inn on the M20.

In the car with him was Barry Hynes, 58, and his son Ben, 20, both of Alexandra Street, Maidstone. More drugs were found in the car.

The father and son were cleared of conspiracy to supply drugs in May after claiming they were acting under duress.

Ajufo, Carriere, Walcott, Navacroft and Rooney admitted conspiracy to supply drugs. Ingram admitted allowing his home to be used for the supply of drugs.

Walcott was jailed for five years, Navacroft for 18 months, Rooney was sentenced to two-and-a-half years youth custody and Carriere to 12 months detention and training.