POLICE officers were praised after they helped to cage a prolific drugs gang.

Thames Valley Police chief constable Francis Habgood hailed officers at a commendations ceremony on Thursday night, for their efforts in seizing a £1.3m stash of class A and B drugs.

Their investigation launched in January last year, mainly targeting 48-year-old Neil Wadley, of Pound Lane in Didcot, who was known to be a leader of organised crime groups in Spain and across the UK.

Wadley fled the country to Spain, but the force and the Crown Prosecution Service secured a European Arrest Warrant to ensure his capture.

He was arrested and extradited in March and faced trail in October 2015, along with 12 other defendants who all pleaded guilty. Their combined prison sentences added up to 99 years, of which Wadley was sentenced to 17.

During the operation police seized more than 9kg of cocaine, 1kg of MDMA powder, 5,000 ecstasy tablets, 4kg of amphetamine powder, 3kg of methoxetamine and 18kg of cannabis resin.

Among those commended was Det Insp Rachel Wheatman, of the serious organised crime unit, and Kirsty Allman of the CPS.

Chief Constable Habgood said: "It always gives me great pleasure to present these commendations.

"They rightfully recognise and praise the dedication, courage and professionalism of those who go beyond their call of duty in often extremely difficult situations."