Daladiev Gonzalez Jaramillo, from Colombia, was caught during Operation Banjo, which targeted London-based dealers supplying the North East, including Sunderland, with high-quality cocaine.

The Northumbria Police-led operation has already resulted in several high-profile convictions, including that of George Youness, known in drugs circles as the Fixer, and Franco Pizzuti, a well-known North East chef and restaurateur.

Jaramillo, 33, was arrested after he arranged two meetings with undercover officers, selling them a total of one-and-a-half-kilos of high-purity cocaine, while indicating that he was able to access significantly more.

Kingsley Hyland, head of the Complex Casework Unit at CPS Northumbria, said: "Jaramillo was clearly more than just a drugs courier, but someone with links to individuals high up in this cartel bringing Class A drugs into the UK.

"The drugs he sold to the undercover officers were, as far as he knew, bound for the North East."

"Operation Banjo has netted some major players in this drugs network, ruthless individuals with access to high purity cocaine imported from South America.

"Our success in achieving a number of convictions, including that of Jaramillo, has undoubtedly disrupted this supply of drugs."

Operation Banjo, which ran between 2005 and 2007, resulted in 21 people being charged.