NEIGHBOURHOOD police officers seized drugs worth about £26,000 after executing a warrant at a property in Frindsbury, near Strood.

Eight officers forced entry into the house in Hancock Close at around 6.30pm last Friday.

They arrested five people, seized cannabis, ecstasy pills, two bladed weapons and around £4,800 in cash. The team also had to deal with seven dogs loose inside the property.

A 40-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of possessing class A drugs with intent to supply. He has been bailed to Medway police station pending further enquiries.

A 27-year-old man was cautioned for possessing cannabis after being arrested for the offence.

The remaining three people arrested, a 36-year-old woman, a 17-year-old boy and a 38-year-old man, were all released without charge.

Friday's action was co-ordinated by local beat officer, PC Mick O’Meara, who said: "As neighbourhood officers we are keen to tackle issues that impact on the community. We also want to send a message to local people that we will take whatever action is needed to make their area a safer place.

"Drugs breed anti-social behaviour and crime and we will not hesitate in doing whatever is necessary to stop the supply and use of drugs on the streets of Medway."

Ch Insp Peter Wedlake said: "This effort demonstrates that neighbourhood policing is far more sophisticated than people think and here at Medway we have moved with the times.

"Our neighbourhood officers are trained to excel in a broadening range of specialties that are aimed at making communities safer and offering 21st century policing to local people."

Anyone with information about the supply or use of drugs in Medway is asked to contact Kent Police on telephone 01634 891055 or call Crimestoppers free and anonymously on telephone 0800 555 111.