A GANG of criminals who plotted to smuggle huge quantities of drugs into the region have been jailed for almost 100 years.

Fifteen defendants appearing before Carlisle Crown Court were sentenced over two days to a total of 94 years and nine months for their involvement.

Over a period of six months last year police seized more than £1m worth of cocaine, cannabis and methcathinone being transported into Cumbria by drug couriers.

During the trial it emerged that the operation was run by Patrick White, the kingpin of the operation who is serving time in prison.

Thirteen years have been added to his sentence in relation to this latest crime.

Illegal mobile phones held by White in jail were used to coordinate plans to get drugs into Cumbrian communities.

Judge Barbara Forrester, who passed sentence, referred to a statement produced by a senior Cumbria police officer about the potential impact of the massive enterprise on county communities. "He says that the extent, scale and execution can only be described as brazen and relentless," said the judge.

Four Barrow men were among those handed down sentences, they were Robert Rawlinson, 28, of Earle Street - five years, four months; Kieron Fleming, 23, of Low White Close - six years, eight months; Jordan Graham, 29, Church Street - four years; Stewart Griffiths, 31, Chester Place - three years, three months.

Another man, Steven Archer of Walney who was involved in the drugs ring as a courier, died before he could be brought to trial.

Mr Brendan Burke, prosecuting, said he "jumped to his death" from a Barrow rooftop in August on the day he was due to appear before a judge at the crown court.

Read about the circumstances that led to Steven Archer's death