Sixteen drug dealers are behind bars for a total of 48 years following a police operation in north Surrey last year.

The intelligence-led operation was set up to disrupt drug dealing, and the associated criminality it brings, across “county lines”, networks which are formed to sell illegal drugs across county borders.

This resulted in 200 officers carrying out 19 search warrants in Addlestone, Cobham, Sunbury, Stanwell, Chertsey, Walton, Epsom and West Mercia on November 7, 2017.

North Surrey detective inspector Dee Fielding said: “These sentences act as a reminder to dealers looking to sell drugs in Surrey that your criminality won’t be tolerated.

“Drug dealing can damage lives and tear communities apart and brings with it increased levels of crimes such as theft and anti-social behaviour.

“Vulnerable members of the community are also often exploited or coerced into selling drugs or providing a base from which to do so, known as cuckooing.

“We want to express to the people of Surrey how they can play a part putting a stop to drug dealers and the networks they operate in.

“Working with us by reporting anything suspicious will enable us to better support and protect our communities.

“If you would rather report information anonymously, you can do so via Crimestoppers.”

Among those convicted of supplying Class A drugs were

• Mark Ash, 38, of no fixed abode, charged with three offences and imprisoned for three years and four months;

• Liam Williams, 30, of Stoneleigh Broadway, Epsom, charged with one offence and imprisoned for two years and three months

• Bradley Purssey, 27, of High Street, Addlestone, charged with three offences and imprisoned for two years and six months

Daniel John, 27, of Green Lane, Addlestone, is due to be sentenced at Guildford Crown Court on February 12 while two further men are due to appear at Guildford Crown Court on 20 January for a plea and trial preparation hearing.

If you have information about suspected drug dealing or you feel a vulnerable person is being exploited, you can call 101 or visit the Surrey Police website: www.surrey.police.uk.

Alternatively you can report any information anonymously to Crimestoppers via www.crimestoppers-uk.org or on 0800 555 111.