Dozens of men involved in supplying millions of pounds worth of drugs have been jailed.

In total, 42 men were sent to prison after Metropolitan Police officers from Hackney and Tower Hamlets uncovered a vast drug supply network in east London.

This week, 18 of the men were sentenced at Snaresbrook Crown Court.

They received more than 150 years in prison for their part in drug dealing via 14 different supply lines serving Hampshire and Brighton.

The network was uncovered and shut down after police seized two phones in 2020.

They also revealed a criminal network of men who worked together to supply drugs under the guise of taxi drivers.

Police said these men had supplied around 37 kilograms of drugs, including – cocaine, heroin, crack cocaine, MDMA, ketamine and cannabis.

Officers arrested all 42 of the men charged after executing 49 search warrants.

Jewellery worth £54,000, £200,000 in cash, and drugs with a street value of £83,000 were also seized.

Detective Superintendent, Georgina Zumeris, said: “This investigation demonstrates Met officers going above and beyond to make London safe by removing drug dealers from the communities of east London.

“This is community crime-fighting at its best, removing offenders who impact the lives of those around them.

“The supply of drugs has devastating consequences on communities across London and beyond – it causes addiction, having devastating health impacts, as well as leading to anti-social behaviour and violence.

“Diverting people away from criminality has also been our focus throughout this investigation.

“Four of the men arrested were found to be suffering from drug addiction and officers recognised this, ensuring they were safeguarded and supported after Rehabilitation Orders were put in place of custodial sentences.

“Through successes like this, we can continue to show how we are keeping our communities safe.”

The other 24 men convicted were jailed for more than 220 years for their part in the offences.