NINE people have been arrested following a crackdown on drugs in north Kent.

A total of 20 cocaine rocks, 30 heroin wraps and 80 suspected ecstasy tablets were among drugs taken in a five-day swoop on homes in Gravesham and Dartford.

Officers targeted four addresses in just five days.

These included Gravesend streets Gordon Promenade and Homemead, Maritime Gate in Northfleet and Willow Road, Dartford.

The suspected haul included cocaine rocks, heroin wraps, more than 6oz of cocaine, more than £10,000 of cash and a CS gas canister.

These latest raids, co-ordinated by the drugs intervention team, bring the total of cash seized under the proceeds of crime legislation since April to more than £62,000 - with an estimated £500,000 of drugs taken off the streets.

Sgt Ivan Beasley, of the drugs intervention team, said: "The work we have done since April will have had a significant impact on the supply of drugs in north Kent and sent out a strong message the drug dealing will not be tolerated."

He said the team was unique to Kent Police, and was being run as a pilot in the area.

For the full story see the Gravesend Messenger