Police have arrested 22 people in a series of drugs raids in north Kent and London.

Officers searched 12 homes in Gravesend and Northfleet, seven in Dartford and Bean, two in Greenhithe and a further five in other parts of south east London.

They seized tablets, believed to be amphetamine sulphate, cannabis plants, cannabis resin, cash and large quantities of mobile phones.

All the suspects are being questioned at North Kent police station on suspicion of supplying controlled drugs.

A further three arrests were made in south east London.

The ongoing operation follows months of police work to crack criminal networks in the area.

Audio: Chief Supt Paul Brandon speaking about the raids

Three officers and a police van are stationed in New Road handing out leaflets thanking people in the community for providing information leading to arrests.

It says: "A number of people have been arrested on suspicion of supplying drugs. By removing offenders from the community, we have also helped to reduce other associated crimes, such as theft, and have reduced the number of people who will become victims of crime."

Kent Police claim to have driven down crime by a third over the past four years.
The officers were also asking people to continue reporting any suspicious activity in their communities.