EIGHT people have been charged as part of an investigation by the South West Regional Organised Crime Unit (SWROCU) into the supply of cocaine and ketamine in Devon.

Seven men and one woman appeared before Exeter Magistrates' Court on November 11.

The following people were charged:

• Jake Purdy, 32, of Jack Sadler Way, Topsham, Exeter, was charged with conspiracy to supply Class A and Class B drugs and was remanded in custody.

• Ricky Thorpe, 35, of Norman Mews, Exeter, was charged with conspiracy to supply Class A and Class B drugs and was granted bail.

• Daniel Thorpe, 39, of Higher Wear Road, Exeter, was charged with conspiracy to supply Class A and Class B drugs and was granted bail.

• Sian Woodford, 37, of Powderham Road, Exeter, was charged with conspiracy to supply Class A and Class B drugs and was granted bail.

• Daniel Hine, 35, of Rydal Mews, Windermere Close, Exeter, was charged with conspiracy to supply Class A and Class B drugs and was granted bail.

• Jamie Sly, 29, of Somerville Crescent, Exeter, was charged with conspiracy to supply Class A and Class B drugs and was granted bail.

• Lester Purdy, 73, of Normans Bay, Pevensey, East Sussex, was charged with participating in the activities of an organised crime group and was remanded in custody.

• Jonathan Gent, 39, of Gordon Road, Topsham, Exeter, was charged with possession with intent to supply Class A drugs and money laundering offences and was remanded in custody.

All eight are due to appear at Exeter Crown Court on December 10 for a Plea and Trial Preparation Hearing.

Detective Chief Inspector Adam Smith of the SWROCU said: "These charges represent the culmination of a successful policing partnership between SWROCU and Devon & Cornwall Police and reflects the dedication of officers and staff working together to disrupt those suspected of being involved in the supply of harmful drugs within our communities.

"We will continue to work together to pursue those suspected of profiting from criminal activity across the region."

A further two people have been released under investigation.