The 10 were part of a "sophisticated network" which bought, prepared, stored and sold massive amounts of cocaine, amphetamine and cannabis.

They were due to be sentenced at Sheffield Crown Court today following an investigation by the Serious Organised Crime Agency and police.

The court heard that in a four-month period last year officers seized 17kg of cocaine, 90kg of amphetamine, 42kg of strong 'skunk' cannabis, and 159kg of cannabis resin, with a total street value of tens of millions.

Prosecutor Graham Reeds said gang members were tracked buying drugs in London and transporting them to homes in Rotherham and Barnsley were they were cut and repackaged.

Officers also followed offenders as they set up deals, stashed drugs in the countryside, and delivered huge quantities in locations as far apart as Lincolnshire, Liverpool and Durham.

Mr Reeds said two men were ringleaders – David Bunn, aged 41, of Pickard Crescent, Richmond, Sheffield, and his best friend of 25 years John Newell, 36, of Townwells Road, North Anston.

The pair flew their families business-class to Dubai for 10 days over Christmas 2006 and the £14,700 hotel bill and all airfares were paid in cash.

The holiday was followed by flights to Dubai in April last year, Palma in May, Portugal in July and Abu Dhabi in September, costing a further £9,000.

Mr Reeds said Newell drove a BMW 5 series and Bunn – a security guard in a clothes shop – drove a black Range Rover.

The men now face lengthy stretches behind bars after being convicted of conspiracy to supply amphetamine, cannabis and cocaine.

Bunn admitted a further count of money laundering after being stopped by police on the M62 with £212,365 in cash.

Mr Reeds said: "Bunn and Newell were the central organisers and they were assisted at various times by people who would collect, store and deliver the drugs."

Eight others – either couriers or people who allowed their homes to be used to repackage and cut drugs – will also be sentenced today.

- Paul Williams, 48, of Bawtry Road, Brinsworth, Rotherham, admitted conspiracy to supply cocaine, and conspiracy to supply and possessing amphetamine.

- Stephen Newell, 29, of Grange Road, Moorgate, Rotherham, denied conspiracy to supply cocaine but convicted after a two-week trial.

- Ian Blaver, 34, of Springbank Close, Carlton, Barnsley, denied conspiracy to supply cannabis but convicted after a four-day trial.

- Mark Burbidge, 37, of Derbyshire - currently serving a 12-year sentence for conspiracy to supply cocaine - admitted conspiracy to supply cannabis.

- Karen Ball, 35, of March Flatts Road, Thrybergh, Rotherham, denied conspiracy to supply cocaine and amphetamine but convicted after a two-week trial.

- Gary Johnson, 31, and Dean Smith, 26, both of Lincolnshire, admitted possession with intent to supply cocaine.

- Martin Simon, 42, of Liverpool, admitted conspiracy to supply cocaine.

At least four other people, who were either customers or couriers, have been convicted separately, according to the Serious Organised Crime Agency.

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