A DRUGS gang who set up a cannabis factory in Winwick are now starting a long stretch behind bars.

The five men, who were arrested after a cannabis farm worth more than £100,000 was discovered by officers, were sentenced at Chester Crown Court on Friday to more than 17 years in jail.

Ryan Allwood, aged 21, of Elmham Walk, Manchester, was sentenced to two years in jail.

Daniel John also known as Daniel O’Brien, aged 28, of Clough Street, Manchester, and Peter Rule, aged 20, of Dalton Street, Manchester, were each sentenced to four years in prison.

Lucas Levelle, aged 28, of Lewisham Avenue, Manchester was handed a sentence of four years and six months while Ryan Bishop, aged 22, of Lewisham Avenue, Manchester, was sentenced to two years and eight months behind bars.

The five men pleaded guilty to production of a controlled drug of class B.

Allwood also pleaded guilty to possession with intent to supply class B.

The cannabis farm was shut down by Cheshire Police after officers noticed a strong smell coming from a building on Newton Road.

Sergeant Paul Flynn and his team at Warrington Central NPU searched the area on foot and honed in on the property.

A drugs warrant was executed at 3pm on October 13, 2014, where police found the cannabis factory.

Plants worth £100,000 were seized from three rooms and five men were arrested at the scene.

Sgt Paul Flynn said he hopes the sentencing reassures the public that drug-related activity will not be tolerated in the town.

He said: "I hope this sentence shows the seriousness of this offence and acts as a deterrent to anyone who produces cannabis in the Warrington area.

"We are committed to tackling the issue of illegal drugs in the local community and we will not tolerate any sort of behaviour that has a negative impact on the lives of others."

"We hope that our continued efforts not only reinforce our commitment to tackling the issue but also help to reassure the local community that we take the issue extremely seriously."