FIVE members of a drugs gang that operated from an East Lancashire travellers camp have been jailed for a total of 33 years.

Daniel Cregg, Andrew Dixon, Lee Finglas, Colin Roberts and Thomas Casey were part of a gang that imported £2m of heroin and cocaine into the region.

Police said the UK base for the gang's operations was Whinney Hill Caravan Park on the Altham and Huncoat border.

Planning, meetings and communication were carried out from the site off Whalley Road with the gang also using telephone boxes in Hapton, Accrington and Oswaldtwistle, according to officers.

Cregg, 30, of Catlow Hall Street, Oswaldtwistle, was sentenced to nine years.

His "right-hand man" Dixon, 24, of Roe Greave Road, Oswaldtwistle, was jailed for eight years.

And courier Finglas, 26, of Sharples Street, Accrington, was sentenced to five years.

They all pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply class A drugs.

Judge John Roberts said he had made a reduction in Finglas' case because he has a seriously ill 16-month-old daughter, Madison, who may need a lung transplant.

Roberts, 47, of Brookland Road East, Liverpool, was sentenced to two years for money laundering to the value of £150,000, and released for time already served.

Casey, 44, of Derby Lane, Liverpool was sentenced to nine years for possession with intent to supply 10 kilos of heroin.

Liverpool Crown Court heard that the five men formed part of a major UK drugs network which imported 10kg of heroin and 30kg of cocaine with a street value in excess of £2 million from the continent between July 2006 and February 2007.

Following months of evidence gathering which culminated in a series of raids in February 2007, police arrested 12 suspects who were later charged with conspiracy to supply cocaine and heroin.

Cregg will serve 10 years in total including a year for unlawful wounding of a man in April 2006.

Judge Roberts said Cregg's role in the network was "very active" and of a "middle market level".

He said he accepted Cregg was not involved at an international level, and said he provided dealers with drugs from his base in Accrington. He added that Cregg was also involved in chasing drug debts owed to his bosses.

Dixon was described by the judge as Cregg's "right-hand man" in the Accrington area whose involvement was slightly less, but still an active member in the middle ranks.

Finglas acted as Cregg's courier but his involvement lasted a few weeks, the court was told.

Judge John Roberts said he was satisfied Finglas had delivered small quantities and was not involved in chasing drug debts. He added: "There's no doubt while you remain locked up your partner and Madison's position become harder and the chances of her returning home from hospital are reduced."

Judge Roberts said although Casey had not personally handled drugs, the cash had gone towards purchasing 10kg of heroin for the Liverpool team.

Roberts' involvement was limited to a transaction of cash which Roberts did not know was drugs-related, the judge was told.

Judge Roberts said: "You suspected that the money was criminal property, but not that it was drug related."

Det Sgt Steve Kidd of Lancashire Constabulary said: "The five sentences today reflect the serious nature of these offences and this should send a stern message to those who feel Lancashire is a safe place to engage in these crimes We are not a soft touch, we know who you are, and you will be punished.

Lancashire Constabulary's Assistant Chief Constable Andy Cooke said: "I am delighted with today's result which highlights first class co-operation between SOCU, SOCA and RCPO, and is a testament to all involved."

Whinney Hill Caravan Park is owned by Lancashire County Council and run by Hyndburn Borough Council, which is in charge of collecting rent.

A county council spokesman said nobody was available to comment.

Seven other men has also admitted conspiracy to supply the Class A drugs and will be sentenced in September.

They are: John Varey, 27, and Elias Smith, 28, both of Whinney Hill Caravan Park, Atham; Edward Smith, 21, of West Crescent, Accrington; James Shane Craw, 43, Hale Carr Lane, Morecambe; Stephen Marshall, 32, Edenvale Crescent, Lancaster; Majeed Shah, 32, King Street, Lancaster; and Damien O'Connor, 43, who was living in Belgium.