FIFTEEN people have received prison sentences totalling almost 100 years for their respective roles in a plot to transport illegal drugs into Cumbria.

Almost a dozen of them have addresses in this county, and were locked up today at Carlisle Crown Court following a two-day sentencing hearing.

All had admitted taking part in a huge conspiracy during which police seized almost £1m-worth of illicit substances. This ran over a period of almost six months last year.

Officers smashed the cocaine, cannabis and methcathinone (MCAT) supply ring, intercepting couriers as they brought drugs into the county by road and rail. These were said to have been destined for the north, west and south Cumbria streets.

It emerged that the criminal enterprise was orchestrated by serving prisoner Patrick White, who used illegally-held mobile phones while in custody.

Judge Barbara Forrester, who passed sentence, referred to a statement produced by a senior Cumbria police officer about the potential impact of the massive enterprise on county communities.

"He says that the extent, scale and execution can only be described as brazen and relentless," said the judge.

Those with Cumbria addresses to be sentenced were:

*James Blacklock, aged 30, of Warwick Square, Carlisle - six years, eight months

*Aaron Giacopazzi, 29, St Elizabeths Close, Carlisle - six years

*Jason Farmer, 27, Gilsland Road, Carlisle - six years

*Jake Barnes, 23, Greta Avenue, Carlisle - six years

*James Kennedy, 24, Edgehill Road, Carlisle - 16 months (immediate custody)

*Daniel Pape Logan, 25, Newlands Lane South, Workington - six years, eight months

*Robert Rawlinson, 28, Earl Street, Barrow - five years, four months

*Kieron Fleming, 23, Low White Close, Barrow - six years, eight months

*Jordan Graham, 29, Church Street, Barrow - four years

*Stewart Griffiths, 31, Chester Place, Barrow - three years, three months

*Patrick White, 25, the kingpin who hails from the Manchester area but has links to Cumbria, received a 13-year jail term.

*His partner, Amanda Ashley, 26, of Stockport, is due to be sentenced later today for her role in the plot.

Another Carlisle-based defendant, Tyler Clark, 23, of Edgehill Road, will be sentenced in due course.