Around 300,000 illegal cigarettes have been seized by police after more than a dozen officers descended on businesses in Gravesend.

Kent Police’s serious and organised crime unit carried out warrants at a number of stores in Queen Street at around 10am yesterday as part of an operation targeting the importation and sale of illegal tobacco products in the town.

Six people have been arrested on suspicion of money laundering and tax evasion and it is estimated that tax on the cigarettes worth £120,000 had not been paid.

Four men from Gravesend, aged 21, 25, 36 and 25 years old, a 34-year-old man from Manchester, and 19-year-old man from Ilford, Essex, have been bailed until Thursday, February 23 as police continue to investigate.

Thursday morning's operation was supported by representatives from Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC), Kent Trading Standards and Gravesham Borough Council.

Detective Inspector, Gary Scarfe, of the serious and organised crime unit said: "The results from yesterday’s operation reinforce how effective pre-planned multi agency work is and why it is so important.

"We have taken a vast number of illegal cigarettes off sale and will be continuing our enquiries to ensure those responsible for these offences are dealt with accordingly. We will not tolerate criminality of any nature and will always investigate thoroughly."

Anyone who suspects a criminal offence, which is not deemed an emergency, can contact Kent Police on 101.

Alternatively contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.