Five men have been sentenced to a total of 44 years in prison for their part in a plot to import and supply cocaine worth £1.5 million from France to Hythe Beach, Folkestone.

The men smuggled large quantities of cocaine using high-speed inflatable boats. They committed their crimes between August and September 2008.

Four of the men pleaded guilty and one was found guilty. The four who pleaded guilty were Glen David Johnson from Farnborough in Hampshire, his brother Ronnie Johnson also from Farnborough, Kym Farid from Worcester Park, Surrey and Harvon Davies of Croydon. Josiah Johnson, cousin of Glen and Ronnie and also from Farnborough, was found guilty.

Detective Inspector Eddie Fox from the Serious and Organised Crime Unit East said, "the five men sentenced today were part of a significant organised crime group that was probably one of the most prolific gangs involved in this type of criminality."