Some 27 people have been arrested following a week-long operation to tackle drug-related crime in Kent, which saw hundreds of wraps of class A drugs and thousands of pounds worth of cash seized.

Officers executed 12 warrants between Monday, March 19 and Friday March 23, and targeted offenders who attempt to sell and distribute illegal substances, including heroin and crack cocaine, in areas across the county.

The clampdown on county drugs lines was co-ordinated by the Eastern Region Special Operations Unit (ERSOU) and saw officers from the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate, along with the regional disruption team, the National Crime Agency, and other partner agencies carry out action to disrupt offenders and safeguard vulnerable people.

County lines is a term used to describe gangs, groups or drug networks that supply drugs from urban to suburban areas across the country using dedicated mobile phone lines or “deal lines”.

During the first day of the operation four men were arrested in Maidstone for drug offences.

A 66-year-old man and a 41-year-old man both from Chatham were arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply heroin and a 44-year-old man from West Malling and a 43-year-old from Maidstone were also arrested for possession of heroin.

Following the arrests officers conducted a search of a property and seized a stun gun, wraps of what are believed to be Class A drugs, cash and mobile phones.

A warrant was executed in Gillingham on March 20 which led to the arrest of a 19-year-old man on suspicion of possession with intent to supply a controlled drug.

Substances believed to be heroin and crack cocaine and approximately £3,000 in cash were seized during the operation.

Officers also stopped the car of a man who was known to them in Minster on Sea. When they conducted a search of the vehicle they found a large number of wraps which are believed to contain heroin and crack cocaine.

A 23-year-old man from London and a 38-year-old man from Sheerness were arrested at the scene.

Detective chief inspector Dave Coleman said: "Our officers worked relentlessly to tackle the individuals associated with the supply of drugs, who can pose a substantial risk to our communities.

"During this week of action our officers achieved some excellent results which we hope will see a significant number of people being brought before the courts.

"We were able to seize a large quantity of Class A drugs and prevent these substances making their way onto the streets of Kent.

"This operation is only one part of a sustained and co-ordinated focus on drug-related crime. The general public are our eyes and ears in the fight against drugs and I urge people to continue to report any suspicious behaviour by calling 101 or 999 in an emergency.

"If you wish to prefer anonymous you can contact Kent Crimestoppers on 0800 555111."

ERSOU detective superintendent Bernie Morgan added: "We are determined that there will be no place to hide for those who bring harm to our region by exploiting people and pedalling dangerous, illegal substances.

"We’re committed to taking strong action to deal with county drug lines in the eastern region, and this week’s co-ordinated response is a great example of law enforcement and partner agencies working together to tackle serious criminal activity and to protect the vulnerable.

"We will continue to work with our national and partner agencies to ensure that the eastern region’s response to county lines is robust and that we are protecting any vulnerable person from harm."