Three drug dealers who were responsible for a large supply of class A drugs in Richmond have been jailed for a total of 16 years.

Richard Finnelly, 39, of Edgar Road, Whitton, was handed a three-year prison sentence at Kingston Crown Court on Thursday, November 6.

His associates Gursev Matharoo, 28, of Heath Road, Hounslow, and Hardeep Sagoo, of Sutton Way, Hounslow, were jailed for eight years and five years respectively, at the same court.

Intelligence officers from the Trident Gang Crime Command and Hounslow Crime Squad executed two drugs warrants at two addresses in Hounslow on May 1, the court heard.

During a search of a home in Sutton Way, Hounslow, officers found heroin and crack cocaine hidden in kitchen cupboards, along with £7,000 cash taped to a pipe in a boiler cupboard.

Matharoo and Sagoo were arrested on the day of the raids and later charged with possession of class A drugs with intent to supply.

Finnelly was arrested several days later and also charged with possession of class A drugs with intent to supply.

The trio all pleaded guilty at earlier hearings.

Detective Constable Sarah Smart said: "These three men were responsible for a large majority of class A drug supply in Hounslow and Richmond.

"Thanks to the efforts of my team and colleagues from Hounslow, we have put these three drug dealers behind bars for a significant period of time.

"This is a message to other dealers - we will catch you and seize the assets you derived from your criminal activity."

During the operation, police seized heroin and cocaine with a street value of about £90,000.