A GANG of drug-dealers who pedaled drugs in Basildon for seven years have been put behind bars for a total of 41 years.

Today six men from the Bush Boys gang were jailed for robbery, money laundering and conspiracy to supply Class A drugs at Basildon Crown Court.

A seventh man was given a suspended sentence.

It follows a year-long operation by the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate.

The Bush Boys targeted Basildon with their sophisticated drug-dealing enterprise, taking advantage of vulnerable residents who were dependent on drugs, promising regular supplies of crack cocaine and heroin in return for use of their homes as a base for storing and dealing Class A drugs.

Mohamed Hassan, a 31, of Dalrymple Road, Lewisham, Thomas Symons, 19, of Woolwich; and Perry Bohm, 19, of Burrage Road, Woolwich, were all charged with conspiracy to supply crack cocaine, conspiracy to supply heroin, robbery and assault.

Hassan was also charged with money laundering.

Thomas Symons and Perry Bohm both admitted the drugs charges at an earlier court appearance.

Thomas Symons was found not guilty of robbery and assault.

Mohamed Hassan had denied all charges but was found guilty on all counts.

Perry Bohm had denied robbery and the assault but was found guilty.

Daniel Sherlock, 18, of Tottenham, 21-year-old Kyle Larmond of no fixed address; 19-year-old Ross Bannister of Wellington Gardens, Charlton; 19-year-old Joshua Porter of Innes Close in Wickford all admitted conspiracy to supply crack cocaine and heroin.

Mohammed Hassan was sentenced to 16 years behind bars, Perry Bohm to seven years, Ross Bannister to five years and four months and Kyle Larmond to five years and four months.

Daniel Sherlock was sentenced to four years, Thomas Symons to four years and Joshua Porter was given eight months, suspended for two years.