ELEVEN members of an organised crime gang have today (Tuesday) been jailed for a total of more than of 33 years for drug offences.

The men, who distributed controlled drugs throughout Hertfordshire, operated a number of cannabis factories including one in Northdown Road in Hatfield.

When police officers raided this property, they found 487 cannabis plants worth �80,000.

The factory was powered by electricity which had been unlawfully diverted in order to bypass electricity meters.

The roles of those convicted varied from those who built the factories, cannabis ‘gardeners’ and couriers to those who managed and facilitated the operation.

Det Chief Insp Paul Chinery from Herts police’s Serious and Organised Crime Group, said: “The set up of this operation was extremely sophisticated and we are pleased that all the men involved have been given substantial prison sentences.

“I would like to praise all the officers involved our protracted inquiry.

“Their hard work and dedication has disrupted an organised crime group.

“Taking these men off the streets will have a significant impact on the drugs market in Hertfordshire and beyond.

“Drugs have no place in our communities.

“I hope the outcome of this case will send a strong message to anyone involved in drug crime that we are determined to arrest offenders and bring them to justice.”