Suspected drug dealers, cannabis growers and vandals were among those arrested by police during a series of raids in Kent.

Ten men, four women and two teenage boys were taken in for questioning after homes across the east of the county were targeted.

A large quantity of drugs – thought to be heroin, cocaine and cannabis – was seized during the raids.

The operation was launched by officers acting on intelligence about drug supplies in and out of Kent.

Ten men – aged between 18 and 62 – were arrested, with the allegations against them ranging from drug dealing and possessing a dangerous dog to illegally owning gun ammunition and having a knife in public.

Seven have been bailed pending further enquiries, while David Dunnell, 25, of Charing Cresent, Westgate-on-Sea, has been charged with assaulting police and possessing cannabis.

Cautions were also given to a 62-year-old man from Canterbury who admitted growing cannabis and an 18-year-old man from Leicester found in possession of the Class B drug.

Four women, aged between 26 and 39, were arrested and bailed following arrests for a number of drugs-related allegations, including the supply of heroin and cocaine.

"It sends out a clear message to all those thinking about committing crime in our communities that Kent Police takes a zero-tolerance approach and those supplying drugs will not be welcome..." - Supt Andrea Bishop

A 17-year-old boy from Dartford was also charged with possessing a bladed article in public and will appear in court next week.

Another boy, also 17 and from Folkestone, was arrested on suspicion of dealing class A drugs and bailed.

Police superintendent Andrea Bishop said: “The aim of this operation was to disrupt any form of organised crime in East Kent.

“The issue itself is not unique to the area but nevertheless the actions carried out by those individuals can have a profound effect on our communities in east Kent and our priority is to deter that taking place.

“Our officers have been closely supported by our partner agencies which has allowed us to utilise resources and channel them in to locations where they will have the most effect.

“During the day officers carried out warrants, searched known criminals, identified and disrupted a number of potential sources of criminal activity.

“It sends out a clear message to all those thinking about committing crime in our communities that Kent Police takes a zero-tolerance approach and those supplying drugs will not be welcome.”