Police have now charged eight people in Kent after a series of dawn raids on Tuesday.

It comes after 17 people were arrested in relation to the supply and distribtuion of controlled drugs, money laundering and mortgage fraud in an operating led by Kent Police's Serious and Organised Crime Unit.

The multi-agency operation was believed to be the first of this size and complexity for Kent Police in the past five years.

It also involved officers from south London and Cleveland, with around 270 officers involved in total.

Helen Friend, 23, of Queens Road, Gravesend, has been charged with one count of fraud by false representation.

Her sister Mizelli Friend, 28, of the same address, has been charged with one count of obtaining a money transfer by deception.

Natasha Hawkins, 30, of Salisbury Road, Aylesford, has been charged with one count of money laundering and one count of obtaining a money transfer by deception.

All three have been bailed to appear at Dartford Magistrates Court on Thursday, November 27.

Martin Winter, 45, of Reddy Road, Erith has been charged with three counts of conspiracy to supply and control drugs. He has been refused bail and is due to appear at Dartford Magistrates Court today.

Delvina Sylvester, 37, unemployed, of Calroft Avenue, Greenhithe has been charged with one count of mortgage fraud.

Dean Austin, 31, a plumber, of Olivers Mill, New Ash Green is charged with possession of a Class A drug (28.2 g of cocaine).