THREE men have been jailed for more than ten years for their roles in a drugs and money launder operation in Chelmsford and Witham

Kingsley Lambert, James Brewer and Adam Longman were sentenced today at Chelmsford Crown Court.

Lambert, 40, of Chelmerton Avenue, Chelmsford pleaded guilty to conspiracy to money launder and conspiracy to supply class B drugs. He was jailed for a total of six years.

Brewer, 63, of Burrard Road, Canning Town, east London, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply Class B drugs and conspiracy to money launder.

He was given a 32-month sentence for supplying drugs and 12 months for money laundering. The sentences will be concurrent.

Longman ,34, of Mendip Road, Chelmsford, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to money launder and was given a 12-month sentence.

Det Chief Inspector Simon Parkes from Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate said: “James Brewer is a career criminal who has previously served a lengthy sentence for dealing in drugs, Adam Longman was a courier and police captured evidence of him operating.

“Kingsley Lambert became of interest to police following a major drug operation in Colchester last year and he was involved in drug trafficking in Chelmsford and Witham.

“Using legislation under the Proceeds of Crime Act police seized nearly �100,000 in cash.

“These men were responsible for peddling drugs and their customers are often involved in criminality to fund their habits.

“We are delighted that they have been taken off the streets of Essex and will serve lengthy sentences.”