Sean Ruud, 36, and David McMurray, 43, were imprisoned following an investigation by officers in Westmorland and Furness.

Their sentencing, at Preston Crown Court, comes as part of Operation Alliance – Cumbria Police’s dedicated overall operation protecting the county against serious and organised crime.

Ruud, of York Road, Huyton Merseyside , was jailed for three years and nine months. He admitted conspiracy to supply crack cocaine and heroin.

McMurray, of Thames Road, Walney, Barrow In Furness, was jailed for two years and six months. He admitted conspiracy to supply crack cocaine and heroin.

They were caught by detectives investigating the supply of drugs into Barrow from Merseyside in October 2021.

The investigation was linked to an organised crime group that branded itself “Real Jackkk”.

County lines drugs crime involves the use of a phone number to make contacts with drug users.

One of the messages sent by the “Real Jackkk” line boasted: “Best in town real jackkk”.

Between October 19 and 20, 2021, officers were aware the line was active in Barrow, sending advert messages to drug users.

Investigations led to a drugs warrant being executed in the town and the two being arrested.

Phone evidence was among the evidence that cracked the case. £5,000 cash was also seized following the warrant.

Speaking after the sentencing, Detective Sergeant Jamie Dickens said: “We know the concerns people have about offences such as this – and we always take a serious stance on county lines drugs criminals exploiting and targeting our communities in Barrow.

“We will do everything in our powers to catch these offenders and disrupt their groups.

“The support of the public in reporting such offences continues to be a key tool to allow us to stop these criminals.

“We encourage people to get in touch with any information that might help us.”

Do you have information that can help us?

Anyone with information can report online at www.cumbria.police.uk/report-it 

You can also phone on 101.

Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.