Five men have today been sentenced at Canterbury Crown Court to a total of 15 years in prison for conspiracy to supply drugs and prohibited items into HMP Elmley prison.
Stewart Jarman, 24, and Warren Shaw, 25, both of HMP Elmley, were each given three years imprisonment to be added to their original sentence.
Sean McCann, 24, of Prestedge Avenue, Ramsgate, and Anthony Jarman, 27, of Nixon Avenue, Ramsgate, were also given three years in prison.
Alan Shaw, 51, of Ellen Avenue, Ramsgate, who was also charged with production of cannabis and possession of a Class B drug, was sentenced to three years for conspiracy to supply drugs and conspiracy to convey prohibited items into Her Majesty's prisons, and an additional six months for producing cannabis and 12 months for supplying drugs, both to run concurrently to the three year sentence.
The five men pleaded guilty at Canterbury Crown Court on 29 June.
Officers arrested and charged the men back in April 2009 following a week-long investigation by Kent Police's Serious and Organised Crime Unit and HMP Elmley's Security Department.
Investigations uncovered how the men had conspired together by the prison telephone system to import Class B drugs and other prohibited articles into the prison.
On sentencing Judge Adele Williams said 'This was an organised and deliberate conspiracy, and each person was equally to blame. I must pass a sentence that shows a deterrent element to these offences.'
Detective Chief Superintendent Mark Powell, Head of Crime and Intel at Kent Police, said: It is part of Kent Police's priorities to disrupt the distribution of drugs within our community. Officers within the serious organised crime unit have worked closely with HMPService to bring these people before the courts today. We will ensure that even those serving sentences for crimes already committed will be prevented from going on to supply drugs within the county. Today's sentencing reflects the serious nature of their crimes. We will continue to work closely with our partners within HMP Service to help disrupt drug supply within the prisons.'
