A teenager has been charged with seven drug and weapon offences.

Robert Deards was arrested on Tuesday by officers investigating the supply of cocaine in Maidstone.

They came across the 19-year-old, of Hunsdon Close in Kingsborough Manor, Eastchurch, when they became suspicious of a stationary vehicle in Brenchley Road.

He was later charged with possessing cocaine with intent to supply.

While in custody, he was also charged with six unrelated offences, which were all reported to have happened in Rainham. They included possessing cocaine and MDMA with intent to supply, and possessing and administering an incapacitant spray with intent to injure.

He has been remanded in custody to appear at Maidstone Crown Court, after appearing before magistrates in Medway today.

Three other people, all from Maidstone, were also arrested in Brenchley Road yesterday. They are a 50-year-old man, a 21-year-old man and a 17-year-old boy.

They have been bailed, pending further enquiries, until February 1 next year.

Police say help from the public remains vital in tackling the misuse of drugs.

If you see anything suspicious or have any information call 101, or 999 if it’s an emergency. Alternatively, contact Kent Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.