ELEVEN people have been charged with conspiracy to supply drugs following a year-long investigation into a Worcester-based gang.

The gang, targeted by West Mercia Police's Serious and Organised Crime Unit, is thought to have been active since 2008 dealing in heroin, crack, amphetamines and cannabis.

During the course of the investigation, the unit has arrested 20 suspects, seized drugs with a street value of approximately £100,000 and seized more than £100,000 in cash.

This week saw the operation’s final arrest phase, which saw 11 people arrested. Eight of them have been charged with conspiracy to supply Class A and Class B drugs.

This brings to 11 the total number charged; three other people from Birmingham were arrested and charged in January.

Detective Inspector Carl Moore, who led the operation, said: “We believe our investigation has uncovered an organised crime group involved in a widespread conspiracy to supply controlled drugs that also resulted in a number of incidents of violence and intimidation.

“More than 12 months of work has gone into the operation, but there is much more to do as we and our partners at the CPS bring a large number of suspects to court. We are also working towards further potential charges and a number of suspects remain on police bail while inquires continue.”