The son of the notorious Sixties gangster "Mad" Frankie Fraser appeared in court with five other men on Friday to deny a string of drugs charges.

In what was described as "a very complex case" involving more than 150 police officers -- many undercover -- Francis Fraser, of Ravenscroft Road, Beckenham, denied all the charges against him.

Fraser, aged 53, denied conspiracy to supply cocaine, possession of cocaine with intent to supply, possession of cannabis resin and a further charge of possessing cocaine.

He was allegedly caught trying to supply cocaine in exchange for cannabis to two undercover police officers in September last year.

Appearing alongside Fraser was co-defendant John Barry, aged 37, who denied conspiracy to supply cannabis resin, conspiracy to supply cocaine and possession of cocaine.

Also facing drugs charges, following the same police operation in Surrey, are: Howard Bolton, 35, James Bolton, 26, Ian Adlam, 21, and Wayne Edgecock, 35.

Edgecock, of Maybury, Surrey, was released on bail. Barry, of Byfleet, Surrey, James Bolton, of Guildford, Surrey, and Adlam, of Woking, Surrey, were all remanded in custody although Bolton was expected to make a bail application in front of the same judge.

Fraser and his co-defendants are due to appear again at Reading Crown Court on March 16 for further legal discussions. Their trial is expected to start on April 14 and last up to three weeks.

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