Nine people have been arrested in a crackdown on drugs supply in Kent.

Homes and premises in the Canterbury area were searched in the police operation.

Five people have been charged, two cautioned, one released on police bail and one released without charge.

Police confiscated £1,700 from an address in Canterbury using powers from the Proceeds of Crime Act.

They also seized heroin, amphetamine and cannabis with an estimated street value of £375 from addresses across the area.

Det Insp Mark Button said: “This operation is part of our pro-active campaign to target suppliers and send out the message that dealing will not be tolerated in the area.

“Drug dealing in places such as parks and open spaces should not have to be tolerated by local communities and we urge people to support our work by providing us with information if they have suspicions about drug use and dealing.”

The warrants allowing officers to carry out the searches in Canterbury, Herne Bay and Whitstable have been executed over the last few weeks.

Other work to target dealers included plain clothed officers visiting known drug dealer locations and officers working with passive drugs dogs patrolling railway stations to deter suppliers from using the train network.

Anyone with information about drug dealing and use should contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.