TWO east London drug dealers are among a gang jailed for selling a “vile” Class B drug to vulnerable homeless people.

Miguel Chaves, 40, of St Albans Road, Seven Kings, and Ramzi Barkat, 45, of Third Avenue, Chadwell Heath were handed a year behind bars after admitting dealing the synthetic cannabinoid spice on the streets of central London.

The judge at Southwark Crown Court also gave the pair five-year criminal behaviour orders (CBO) banning them from going to Westminster – where most of their dealing took place.

They were arrested on June 27 as part of a Met Police operation to crack down on the supply of spice, particularly around Charing Cross.

Raids were also carried out at homes in Ilford, Dagenham, Lambeth, and Westminster.

Westminster’s borough commander chief superintendent Peter Ayling said: “In January, after three deaths, including one murder, directly related to the psychoactive substance commonly known as spice, we began a detailed operation in conjunction with specialist officers and the local neighbourhood team.

“Spice wreaks havoc on users. It is a vile substance that robs the user of all awareness and dignity and is highly addictive.

“It has become prevalent among the homeless community where dealers prey on some of the most vulnerable within our society.”

He added: “The operation was hugely successful, the conviction of nine dealers and the sentences handed down reflects the seriousness of the offence and the commitment of our officers to protecting the community.”

Augusto Limba, 26, Harry Read, 20, Patrick Etiele, 32, Mark Akhimie, 48, and Keziah Watson, 19, all homeless, were also sentenced and given CBOs.

Dimitri Ofosu, 29, of Brixton, and Ashraf Benyunis, 24, homeless, have also both admitted spice charges and will be sentenced later this month.