Police have brought 60 charges and seized weapons including knives, baseball bats and firearms during a crackdown on drugs gangs.

A total of 34 suspects were detained between October 9 and October 15 and nearly 1,000 wraps of heroin and crack cocaine discovered in what the force describe as part of a nationwide ‘week of intensification’ to tackle county lines activity.

In a joint operation with the Metropolitan Police, officers executed multiple search warrants linked to criminal networks extending from London into areas across Kent.

A suspected stolen firearm with ammunition was seized following a raid on an address in Leander Heights, Maidstone.

An estimated 400 grams of cocaine, with a street value of up to £30,000, was also recovered, along with a similar amount of cannabis, two knives and £12,000 in cash.

Elliott McCarthy was arrested and charged with three counts of being concerned in the supply of drugs – cocaine, heroin and cannabis.

The 20-year-old was also charged with possessing a firearm without a certificate.

A man was also arrested after police raided a property in Hartington Street, Chatham on October 12.

Officers found an illegal extendable baton, knuckle duster, kitchen knife, cannabis and cash.

Quinton Taylor, 28, was charged with two counts of being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs, two counts of possessing an offensive weapon and possessing cannabis and criminal property.

Addresses in Orpington, Croydon and south London were also targeted.

This led to the seizure of an estimated £60,000 of uncut heroin and crack cocaine, as well as knives, a knuckleduster, and more than 20 phones and SIM cards, along with two high value cars including a Porsche, and thousands of pounds of designer clothing.

Since 2020, enforcement action by Kent Police has seen the number of active county lines fall more than 50%, from 82 to a current estimated total of 37.

Detective Chief Inspector Nicola Ross, of the Kent Crime Squad, said: "During this week, our enforcement has led to significant disruption to at least 18 county line networks.

"Action by our officers has resulted in 60 charges being made and several suspects remanded in custody.

"This latest week of intensification is in addition to our determined and sustained focus around identifying and tackling those associated with drugs supply and gangs, and, since 2020, we have more than halved the number of county lines operating in Kent.

"We have dedicated teams of officers, both uniformed and in plain clothes, committed to targeting those responsible for the misery and destruction of lives connected to harmful substances such as heroin and cocaine.

"Anyone who deals in drugs can expect a robust response, to be arrested and put before the courts.

"We also continue to need your help, so remember to report any suspicious behaviour".