A Taser, thousands of pounds in cash and mobile phones have been recovered by officers who arrested seven men during the latest crackdown on organised crime and drug dealing.

The suspects were detained during a series of simultaneous dawn raids at a business and five homes in Maidstone.

Officers from the Maidstone Community Safety Unit were assisted by colleagues from CID as they entered a commercial premises in Gabriel’s Hill - a fast food takeaway establishment - at around 6am, as well as three nearby residential properties.

Two further warrants were executed at addresses in Upper Fant Road and Snowdon Avenue.

District commander, chief inspector Gary Woodward, said: "Today's activity in and around Maidstone town centre is just another part of our ongoing long-term strategy in identifying and arresting criminals who wrongly believe they can operate on our streets with impunity.

"We are determined to make it harder and harder for these people to establish a foothold and to keep our communities safe.

"My message to those who see Maidstone as a destination for organised criminality is clear - there will be consequences, so keep away or you will be arrested and ultimately brought before the courts and jailed."

All seven men have been released, pending further investigation.

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