Officers investigating dangerous drugs networks coming into Gloucestershire from big city areas have secure convictions totalling more than 200 years in prison time for those involved.

The milestone marks significant progress in the constabulary's clampdown on the issue, which has affected many other areas in the country and is otherwise known as the 'county lines' problem.

Gloucestershire's response, named Operation Tarak, was launched in in November 2016 with the purpose of targeting sophisticated, organised drugs networks based in big cities such as Birmingham and London, who were moving their drug dealing operation into Gloucestershire.

According to the police dealers want to establish operational bases in counties including Gloucestershire and use people to couriers - referred to as 'runners' or 'mules' - to bring drugs into the county while they manage the operation the from afar.

The runners are often vulnerable juveniles recruited with the lure of lavish gifts including cash, phones, drugs and branded clothing. Once recruited, say the police, it becomes very difficult for runners to escape the gang's grip.

Gloucestershire Constabulary said it made the issue one of its force priorities - determined not to be seen as 'soft touch' for these dealers.

Detective Chief Inspector Smith said: "My teams are committed to tracing county lines back to their origin to disrupt and dismantle them. We regularly travel across the UK to hunt down dealers and identify those recruiting young, vulnerable children to traffic and sell drugs.

"The dealers feel they are invisible as they live hundreds of miles away - news flash - they are not!"

A statement from the constabulary said: "Due to the hard work and determination of our crime operations teams we investigated, arrested and charged numerous people and by November 2017 over 100 years of prison sentences had been issued to those caught and convicted of these crimes.

"Now, just nine months later we've passed the 200-year landmark.

"This kind of conviction rate sends a message to those dealers running their drug empires that Gloucestershire Constabulary will not give up the fight against those who want to sell class A drugs in our towns and cities.

"Our investigators have found that dealers regularly research Gloucestershire to find out who has been caught, convicted and imprisoned for County Line drugs offences. They are sussing out the area in the hope of mitigating their risk."

Since November 2016 the figures are:

• 200 people arrested linked to County Lines

• 70 people issued with Prison Sentences - totalling 211years

• 28 people have had no further action taken

• 41 currently under Investigation (RUI)

• 38 - currently on remand or Crown Court bail awaiting court appearance

• 22 - other outcomes

• One - not guilty

Police Constable Omar Patel said: "For almost two years the Force Crime Operations Team has worked tirelessly to bring County Line offenders to justice.

"We're supported by a dedicated analytical team who ensure we have the best evidence to achieve the results we have. We are also grateful to the Courts and Judiciary.

"Prior to his retirement, Gloucester's Judge Jamie Tabor QC took these matters very seriously, as does his successor Judge Ian Lawrie."

The statement continued: "Besides investigating the criminality around these county line drug offences we've been aware of the exploitation of vulnerable people that comes with it.

"The gang leaders control juveniles and adults who may be addicted to drugs, have no safe and secure parental controls, or perhaps have mental health issues.

"They are easy prey for gang leaders to coerce and exploit. The leaders receive all of the benefits of the crime but take none of the risks.

Anyone who has any information about drug-related activity in their street or community can call 101 to speak to an officer or contact your local neighbourhood policing team.