Operation Hartley has resulted in large amounts of heroin, cocaine and other illegal drugs being seized, as well as the recovery of stolen property and cash.

Forty nine people were arrested in the first few months of 2008, and have been charged with a total of 116 offences of supplying drugs.

Courts have also handed down sentences with a combined total of 15 years in prison, in addition to community sentences and drug testing orders.

Detective Chief Inspector Sam Slack, who led the operation, said: "I am very pleased that the courts have taken this as seriously as the police and have shown that dealing drugs in the High Peak will not be tolerated.

"The police responded to community concerns and launched a wide-ranging operation over a long period of time which has resulted in the dismantling of a network supplying drugs in our communities.

"The High Peak is without doubt a safer place as a result of this and we are determined, with the help of the public, to keep it that way."

The operation was carried out by both detectives and Safer Neighbourhood officers.

Seven people are still awaiting trial in the New Year, charged with drugs supply.

Anyone with information about the supply of drugs can contact the police on 0845 123 3333 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.