Officers from the Metropolitan Police's Flying Squad have arrested nine people and recovered a large quantity of drugs after swooping on properties in Dartford, Belvedere, Erith, and Wrotham as well as other locations across Kent and Sussex.

In the combined operation with Sussex Police, 10 kilos of Class A drugs have been seized along with £60,000 in cash.

Properties in South East London, Bexley, Bexleyheath, Orpington, Portslade and two in Brighton were also raided yesterday.

As a result, a 26-year-old woman and eight men aged between 21 and 47 were arrested for a number of different offences including conspiracy to supply cocaine and being concerned in the acquisition, retention, concealment and disposal of criminal property.

They all remain in custody.

The investigation is part of Operation Eternal - the Met’s campaign to arrest those believed to be using encrypted devices to commit crimes.

DI Gail Lilley said: “Yesterday’s arrests are a continued and concerted effort by law enforcement to stop and arrest those involved in the supply of Class A drugs who often have, or show, very little sympathy for the chaos or violence that comes with it.

“Organised Criminal Networks that think they can use encrypted devices, such as EncroChat, to smuggle drugs or weapons into and around the country are now looking over their shoulders as they know that police forces throughout the UK are working together to arrest and prosecute them for their crimes.

"Yesterday’s action is a prime example of officers from different police forces coming together to dismantle the gangs and seize their ill-gotten gains.”

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