A GANG shipping class A drugs from London into Berkshire have been jailed for more than 30 years.

The dealers would occupy vulnerable people's homes in Bracknell and Wokingham, using them as a base for their operations.

The 50-strong drug dealing network was broken up by a series of raids in July 2016 with addresses in the two towns, along with Ascot, Reading, Croydon, London and Hove targeted.

Five men and one woman have all been sentenced at Reading Crown Court after the London-based gang sent runners into the home of vulnerable drug users.

The gang took over these homes, using them as bases for further dealing.

“This process is known as ‘cuckooing’," said Investigating officer Detective Constable Revbecca Cartwright.

"The runners take the keys from the vulnerable drug users, enabling them to come and go and conduct their illicit business as they please.

"Once the runners have entrenched themselves, these vulnerable residents have little or no say in what takes place at their premises, or who visits.

This enables the organised crime group to expand their operations into more rural areas, setting up a secure base and using runners to conduct day-to-day dealing whilst control of the ‘business’ is based in their own locality."

In total Operation Sansa saw 20 addresses raided and 52 people arrested.

Local Policing Area Commander for Bracknell and Wokingham, Superintendent Rob France said: “Thames Valley Police will not tolerate this criminal activity in our communities and as the hearing today demonstrates, we will take robust action to end it and to bring those responsible to justice.

"The sentences show we are working hard to prevent it. The warrants are the culmination of significantly increased police activity which has been targeting the issue since it was first identified.

"Breaking the cycle of drugs addiction can be incredibly difficult, particularly for the vulnerable people who have been targeted and exploited by these drug dealing networks and may feel trapped by the situation.

"If you are someone who is affected by illegal drugs, I would urge you to take advantage of this police intervention and use the opportunity to break the cycle."

These six are the most recent of 28 people sentenced so far. They have been sentenced to a total of 53 years and six months custodial and 24 years and eight months of suspended sentences.

The following were all sentenced at Reading Crown Court on Friday, June 16.

Paul Johnson, 38, of Clifford Avenue, Mortlake, admitted conspiracy to supply heroin and conspiracy to supply a cocaine. He was jailed for eight years.

Andrew Johnson, 40, of Church Road, Croydon admitted conspiracy to supply heroin and conspiracy to supply cocaine. He was jailed for seven years and four months.

David Gavin, 36, of Lockwood Court, Ashville Way, Wokingham admitted conspiracy to supply a class A controlled drug, heroin. He was jailed for six years.

Kameron Johnsepar, 22, of Moyne Place, Ealing, London, admitted conspiracy to supply heroin and conspiracy to supply cocaine. He was jailed for four years.

Aminat Animashaun, 20, of Crowley Crescent, Croydon admitted conspiracy to supply heroin and conspiracy to supply cocaine. She was jailed for four years.

Kyle Barrett, 20, of Tokyngton Avenue, Wembley, Brent admitted conspiracy to supply heroin and conspiracy to supply cocaine. He was jailed for four years.