Suspected crack cocaine was seized from a vehicle stopped by police.

And a hammer and screwdriver with a sharpened edge were found in another.

These were some of the findings during a purge against drugs and weapons in Maidstone.

Last Saturday patrols from the Special Constabulary carried out proactive checks in and around the town, as part of an ongoing initiative also aimed at reducing knife crime and associated offences.

Quantities of suspected crack cocaine were seized from a vehicle stopped by special constables on the A20, London Road, Allington.

The driver, a 31-year-old man from Wallington, Surrey, was arrested for possessing drugs with intent to supply.

A vehicle was also stopped in Lenham Road, which led to the driver failing a roadside drugs test.

A hammer and a screwdriver with a sharpened edge were seized from the car and a 22-year-old man from Coxheath was arrested.

As well as stopping and searching suspect vehicles, the volunteer officers also helped with foot patrols of the town centre, carrying out checks at busy bars and pubs.

A total of 12 officers from the Special Constabulary took part in the operation, which continued into the early hours of the following morning and which will be repeated over future months.

Maidstone Ch Insp Ray Quiller said: "We are always extremely grateful for the support of officers from the Special Constabulary, who gave up their free time to help local police officers keep our communities safe.

"Some of them were taking part in their first ever shift at the weekend and the development and learning they would have gained will no doubt prove invaluable.

"Their assistance allows us to put in place additional patrols, which helps bolster our visible policing presence in towns such as Maidstone.

"This not only helps us to detect offenders, but also makes people who may be carrying drugs or weapons think twice."

Special constables have full police powers, equipment and uniform and work alongside regular officers at police.

They give up a minimum of 16 hours of their own time every month, to help police an area of their choice.

• Anyone who is interested in joining Kent Police as a special can find out more by clicking here