Ten people have so far been charged with supplying controlled drugs as part of a co-ordinated police sting to tackle suspected drugs gangs.

In all 17 people were arrested in a series of dawn raids at their homes in mid, north and south Kent, Sussex and across London earlier this month.

Also a total of 33 premises were searched and cocaine, crack cocaine and amphetamine were seized as well as more than £50,000 cash.

One hundred enforcement officers and detectives were involved each day of the four-day operation.

The operation was led by Special Branch’s Organised Crime Unit and was the culmination of a three-month investigation.

Detective Sergeant John McDermott from Special Branch’s Organised Crime Unit said: ‘I’m extremely pleased with the results of the operation. Drug dealers create havoc and misery in the community.

“They target vulnerable people and greatly affect people’s quality of life.”

The arrests were made up of seven in London, four in Maidstone, one in Dover, two in Gravesend, one in Dartford and one in Erith.