POLICE have praised the undercover team that brought an Oxfordshire drugs gang to justice.

A gang of six men, including two brothers, was sentenced to a total of 22 years in prison after an undercover officer infiltrated a £1.5m drugs enterprise while drinking at their local pub.

The officer – referred to as “Mike Taylor” – gained the trust of the gang over a pint.

He was later sold cocaine and cannabis in 16 deals, claiming he was supplying students.

He paid £10,700 in total and got drugs supplied in plastic shopping bags, or hidden in packets of crisps and cigarettes, with a street value of £104,000.

The court heard deals were carried out at locations including near the Pear Tree interchange in North Oxford, outside the Sun Inn, Wheatley, and near the Eagle and Child in the centre of Oxford.

During raids on their homes, one defendant was found to have almost £40,000-worth of cocaine stashed under a bunk bed.

A total of 22 warrants were executed, resulting in 17 arrests. Four people were released with no action, three were cautioned and 10 were charged, including the six who pleaded guilty at Reading Crown Court on Friday.

Suspected criminal assets totalling £1.5m, including £400,000 in banks, were seized.

The conspiracy happened between July 31, 2010, and March 2, last year.

Prosecutor Simon Foster said: “An undercover officer named ‘Mike Taylor’ was used. He began drinking at the Sun Inn in Wheatley during the Spring of 2010. Mike met Roland Yeates. Yeates had wanted a watch for his son. Mike provided a Rolex watch worth £1,400.”

This led to discussions with Nicholas Dean about drugs.

Nicholas Dean, 46, of Roman Way, Bicester, was sentenced to eight years six months for conspiracy to supply Class A and B drugs. His brother, Jason Dean, 44, of Ash Grove, Headington, got four years six months for having Class A drugs with intent to supply, and money laundering.

Roy Davis, 63, of Franklin Close, Haddenham, got two years three months for conspiracy to supply Class A drugs.

Nathan Reddy, 48, of Radcliffe Road, East Oxford, got three years six months for conspiracy to supply drugs.

Andrew Layden Essex, 51, of Balfour Road, Blackbird Leys, got two years four months for conspiracy to supply drugs.

Roland Yeates, 50, of Holton, Wheatley, got a year for offering to supply cocaine and being concerned in supply.

Oxford police commander Supt Chris Sharp said: “Oxford is a safer place as a result of the dedicated work of the investigative team and the support of the community in tackling the threats posed by organised crime groups.”