TWO men have been jailed for a total of more than eight years for drugs and firearms off-ences.

Munir Hussain, 28, was jailed for five years and six months and Kab Khaliq, 25, was handed a three-year term when they were sentenced by judges in separate cases.

Police have hailed the convictions, saying they deal a significant blow to the organised crime network in Burnley and Pendle.

Hussain, of Castle Street, Brierfield – known as Manny and described by police as a “kingpin” in the criminal community – was arrested in March in Waterbarn Street, Burnley.

Police found 3.4 grammes of heroin in a house he was visiting and charged him with supply and possession with intent to supply of class A drugs.

Afterwards, Sgt Jon Lobb, from Burnley police, said: “It is no understatement to say this man has been a thorn in the side for us.

“We believe he has consistently dealt drugs over the years and we are delighted that our hard work in targeting him has paid off and he is behind bars.

“We believe Hussain is a kingpin in the local drugs market and putting him behind bars will send a huge message to others involved in this type of illegal activity.”

Khaliq, of Barkerhouse Road, Nelson, was arrested by officers from Pennine police’s targeted crime team who executed a search warrant.

They discovered a black hand gun, four rounds of ammunition, £700 of cocaine and £1,600 of heroin.

At Preston Crown Court, Khaliq was jailed for possession of a handgun and possession of class A drugs with intent to supply.

Sgt Lobb said: “It is our belief that Khaliq is a potentially dangerous individual who may well be involved in organised crime and with that in mind, we are pleased he is now behind bars.”

The targeted crime team at Lancashire Police’s Penn-ine division, which covers Burnley, Pendle and Rossendale, was set up in February 2008.

Since then, more than 190 arrests resulted in prison terms worth a total of 57 years.