FIVE Thanet drug dealers have been jailed for a total of 27 years after being caught red-handed during police sting operation last June.

The gang appeared at Canterbury Crown Court for sentencing having pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply class A drugs.

Among those sentenced were Anthony Oliver, 35, of New Cross Street, Margate; Joshua McKenzie, 22, of Gordon Road, Cliftonville; Shivan Stewart, 28, of Perkins Avenue, Margate; Michael Thomas, 40 from London and Victoria Heatman, 31, of Ethelbert Crescent, Cliftonville.

The five were arrested along with 30 others last June when undercover police posed as users to catch them in the act

Londoner Michael Thomas told officers he had made £200,000 in nine months from his drug deals.

A total of 90 cases are to be heard at Canterbury Crown Court following a number of operations across East Kent that came about after tip offs from members of the public.

Thanet's district commander Ch Insp Mitchell Fox said: "This is just the first of many court cases following scores of arrests during operations in the summer and autumn across East Kent.

"The work would not have been as successful as it has been without members of the public providing us with information." Anyone with information on drug dealers in their area are encouraged to contact the police on 01843 236009.