FOURTEEN people were arrested by police today in the largest drugs operation ever to take place in Thanet.

Police officers from across Kent gathered for an early morning briefing at the TA centre in Canterbury before traveling en-masse to 15 addresses in the Thanet area.

The operation, named Omega, involved 150 officers in 50 vehicles swooping on suspected crack cocaine dealers.

Omega was the end result of months of planning and information gathering by officers and the Superintendent of Thanet Police, Penny Martin, said she hoped the effects would trickle through the area.

She stressed: "This is the latest in an ongoing series of very large operations in the county.

"Tackling the problem of class A drugs - in particular cocaine and crack cocaine - is a very high priority for Kent Police. Today's operation is further evidence of that."

She added: “By cutting of the supply of drugs we will be affecting the users who regularly turn to crime to fund their habits. Hopefully, this will see a positive change in Thanet crime."

People arrested are being questioned at Margate Police Station.