THE leader of a criminal gang which supplied drugs across the region has been jailed for nearly two years.

Gary Jacques, aged 58, from Kingswinford, was sentenced at Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court on June 21 after pleading guilty to conspiring to supply drugs and possessing an offensive weapon.

The 58-year-old was sentenced to 23 months behind bars - while co-offender 49-year-old Anton Duthoit from Solihull was given a 12-month prison sentence after admitting conspiracy to supply.

Jacques, who was considered to be the gang leader and at the top of the criminal chain, lived a double life as a successful business owner, running a car hire and repair company in Wednesbury.

The operation centred on Jacques’s business premises, which was placed under surveillance by police, along with other individuals suspected of related drug dealing offences.

Jacques used his business as the base for his criminal activities, from which he would co-ordinate and arrange numerous drug deals.

Duthoit was arrested along with Jacques in March 2010. Officers swooped on the pair as a drug deal took place between them at the Wednesbury car garage on Wood Green Road.

Throughout the intelligence led operation, which began in January 2010, detectives seized just under £30,000 in cash and recovered a quantity of class A and B drugs with an estimated street value of more than £25,000.

Detective Inspector Martin Brennan from Force CID, who led the investigation, said: “Drug dealers have complete disregard for the suffering they cause to individuals, their families and the local communities.

“These men were intent on making money through the distribution of harmful substances which would go on to cause misery amongst those most vulnerable.”

Detectives are now appealing to the public for information about the whereabouts of 44-year-old George Heath, who is also wanted for drug offences associated with the gang.

Police say Heath, who is thought to originate from Tywyn in Gwynedd, Wales, played a major part in the group.

Anyone with information is urged to call detectives at Force CID on 0345 113 5000 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.