More than 25 suspected drug dealers have been arrested as part of a major police investigation.

Raids took place in Medway today following a similar operation in London last month, marking the latest stage of an 18-month investigation by Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate and Kent Police.

Drugs, cash, and a number of items associated with organised crime were also recovered including firearms - one of which was found at a Strood address today.

Thirteen suspects have already been charged including three who have been sentenced to a total of more than 14 years in prison.

The investigation focused on so-called "county lines offences" - which relate to mobile telephone numbers used for selling class A drugs, often run by London gangs who send runners into other counties.

Detective Chief Inspector Mike Worrall said: "We take a zero-tolerance approach to drug-related crime and work continuously with neighbouring forces to target known offenders and bring them to justice.

"The misuse of drugs can cause misery to people’s lives and we are sending out a very clear message to criminals that this behaviour will not be tolerated.

"Drug dealers exploit the most vulnerable members of society so as well as making arrests we have also been engaging with victims whose homes have been taken over as a local base for the dealers, either through violence and intimidation or the promise of free drugs. This is known as cuckooing."

He said police have also been working with charity Turning Point to tackle issues with drug dependency, and to identify vulnerable young people being exploited to sell class A drugs.

The following suspects have been charged in connection with the investigation:

• Alexander Hamill, 19, of no fixed address, was arrested in Sheppey on February 27 and charged with supplying heroin. He will appear before magistrates on a date to be determined.
• Lorraine Hallett, 47, of Canterbury Street, Gillingham, was arrested at her home address on February 27 and charged with two counts of supplying crack cocaine and two counts of supplying heroin. She has been bailed to appear before Medway magistrates on April 10 2018.
• Dogukan Aktas, 20, of Wick Road in South Hackney, London, was arrested at his home address on February 27 and charged with two counts of supplying crack cocaine and two counts of supplying heroin. He has been bailed to appear before Medway magistrates on April 3 2018.
• A 17-year-old boy from High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, was arrested in London on February 27 and charged with four counts of supplying heroin and four counts of supplying crack cocaine. He pleaded guilty to all eight offences and was due to be sentenced at a court in London.
• Jonathon Kalemba, 22, of no fixed address, was arrested in Sheppey on February 28 and charged with supplying crack cocaine and offering to supply crack cocaine. He is currently on remand and will appear before Medway magistrates on April 10 2018.

• Xavier Attuah-Ansu, 20, of no fixed address, was arrested in Sheppey on February 28 and has been charged with three counts of supplying crack cocaine and four counts of supplying heroin. He is currently on remand and will appear before Medway magistrates on April 10 2018.
• A 21-year-old woman from Orpington was arrested at her home address on March 13 and been summonsed to appear in court to face charges of supplying heroin and crack cocaine.
• Russell Makin, 37, of no fixed address, was arrested in Maidstone on March 12 and charged with the supply of crack cocaine and heroin. He pleaded guilty to both offences and was remanded in custody to be sentenced at a later date.
• A 35-year-old man from Gillingham was arrested in Sheppey on February 27 and has been summonsed to appear in court to face charges of supplying crack cocaine and heroin.

• Mark Keen, 57, of Riverdale Road, Erith, was arrested at his home address on March 14 andcharged with being concerned in the supply of heroin and crack cocaine. He has been bailed to appear before Medway magistrates on April 17 2018.

The following offenders have already been sentenced:

• Abu Khalisadar, 35, and Neejam Khan, 28, both from Poplar, London, were arrested after officers intercepted a Vauxhall Mokka as it was travelling along Watling Street, Strood, on May 31 2017. In September 2017 Khalisadar pleaded guilty to two counts of being concerned in the supply of cocaine and heroin and was sentenced to five years and nine months in prison, while Khan pleaded guilty to two counts of possession with intent to supply cocaine and heroin and received a custodial sentence of three years and six months
• Batare Evwierhoma, 24, of Birkhall Road in Catford, London, was arrested when officers entered a home in Lodge Hill Lane, Chattenden, on January 25 2018. He pleaded guilty to two counts of possessing class A drugs with intent to supply and in February was jailed for five years and seven months.

Anyone who wishes to report drug-dealing in their area is urged to call 101 or Kent Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.