A DRUGS operation in the county resulted in a 24-year-old man being cautioned for possession of cocaine.

Police carried out checks at nine village pubs in Coxheath, Staplehurst, Barming and Otham, all near Maidstone, on Saturday. Fourteen people were searched.

After they closed, the operation continued in Maidstone town centre, where the young man was arrested and cautioned after being picked up by the drugs dogs.

Rural Sgt Mick Hayes said: "This operation has achieved some great results. We want to make Maidstone a very difficult place for drug users and suppliers."