A GANG of eight men have been jailed for over 30 years for peddling drugs on a housing estate.

The men, known as the ‘Thatched House Thugs’, dealt Class A drugs and set up a drug den in a flat against the occupant’s will in Avenue Estate in Leytonstone.

Members were sentenced at Isleworth Crown Court on Friday, June 9, in relation to various drugs and firearms offences after an investigation by the Met’s Trident central gangs unit.

Christian McKay, 19, of Victoria Road, Leytonstone, was found guilty of conspiracy to supply drugs and possession of an imitation firearm and was sentenced to eight years.

Warren Thomas, 21, of Snowberry Close, Leyton, was sentenced to three years for dealing drugs.

Collins Olabode, 20, of Arrowsmith Path, Chigwell, was given six years for blackmail and conspiracy to deal drugs.

Harry Olabode, 18, also of Arrowsmith Path, Chigwell, was given three years for false imprisonment and conspiracy to supply drugs.

Four other gang members from Newham, two who are aged 17, were also convicted and imprisoned as part of the investigation.

Detective Sergeant Tom Rogerson said: "This investigation shows that the Metropolitan Police Service will actively seek to target those involved in organised criminality and will strive to protect the innocent Londoners who are sometimes caught up in this type of activity.

“These sentences reflect the severity with which these cases are treated both by the police and by the courts."