Ryan Playford, aged 48, of Warsash, Fareham, pleaded guilty to conspiring to supply a Class A drug – cocaine – conspiring to supply a Class B drug – cannabis – conspiring with others to possess/purchase/acquire prohibited weapons – handguns and conspiring with others to sell or transfer unauthorised firearms or ammunition.

Martyn McGhee, aged 53, of Weston, Southampton, pleaded guilty to conspiring with Playford and others to supply cocaine. Both appeared at Portsmouth Crown Court on 14 September.

Playford also pleaded guilty to a further count of fraud by false representation in relation to a separate incident.

Both men were arrested on 7 July  and subsequently charged in connection with the offences the following day.

Detective Inspector Clair Trueman, the senior investigating officer from SEROCU, said: “This case shows that we will relentlessly pursue those involved in the supply of Class A drugs and firearms offences. This sort of criminal activity causes immeasurable harm to our communities.

“The overwhelming evidence presented resulted in Playford and McGhee entering guilty pleas for these serious offences.”

Playford and McGhee were remanded in custody and are due to be sentenced at the same court on 10 December.

SEROCU is the South East Regional Organised Crime Unit responsible for delivering specialist and niche capabilities to Thames Valley Police, Hampshire Constabulary, Surrey Police and Sussex Police.