Two men have been jailed for supplying class A drugs in the Royston area following a year-long investigation by specialist police officers.

Royston Crow: Matthew Clark.Matthew Clark. (Image: Archant)

Darryl Noades, 29, of Pipers Close in Fowlmere and 34-year-old Matthew Clark from Briary Lane in Royston have been sentenced at Cambridge Crown Court for conspiracy to supply cocaine.

Noades was handed a 7½ year jail term and Clark was given 4½ years.

It follows an investigation by Herts police’s Serious and Organised Crime Group which began on January 28 last year.

During their investigations, officers found Noades to be a high-level member of a crime network who tasked and encouraged Clark with delivering drugs.

The crime operation was well-practised and efficient where those involved frequently used rural locations to bury their drugs.

During the investigation approximately half a kilo of cocaine was recovered.

The two were arrested along with Jamie Mossey, 24, of Gamlingay. who also pleaded guilty at the same Cambridge Crown Court hearing on December 16 to being concerned in the supply of class A drugs. He will be sentenced on January 20.

Detective Chief Inspector James Luxon said: “Herts Constabulary is committed to keeping all our communities safe from organised crime, drug dealing and linked offending and this operation has prevented class A drugs making their way onto the streets of our county.

“This group operated their drug dealing business making considerable amounts of money to finance their lifestyle. Class A drugs have a devastating effect on users and their families as well as often being reliant on vulnerable people to facilitate their production and supply.

“The sentences handed down to these individuals along with the fact that police mounted a long term operation reflects the seriousness of this offence and sends a message that if you choose to deal drugs in Hertfordshire then you should rightly be looking over your shoulder as we are determined to bring your activities to an end.

“There may be members of the public in Royston and the surrounding areas who know who other members of this group are and where they may be, and I would encourage them to help us bring them to justice.”

Anyone who has any information should please call the Herts police non-emergency number 101, or you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or at www.crimestoppers-uk.org. No personal details are taken, information cannot be traced or recorded and you will never need to go to court.