The number of arrests made in connection with an international drugs ring has risen to 11 after search warrants were carried out at a number of addresses.

Police say nine more people were arrested in the Medway, Dartford and Gravesend areas today (June 7) as part of an investigation into alleged importation of cannabis from the United States.

This number adds to two previously arrested in April.

Police was first informed in 2022 that vacuum-sealed packages of the class B drug had being hidden in parcels containing children’s toys and clothing sent from California.

On April 20, officers arrested two men after searches were carried out in Greenhithe and Gravesend.

During the investigation, police seized two blocks of what appeared to be cannabis resin, packs of the drug, a block of cocaine, £20,000 in cash and a knuckleduster.

Samuel Dunn, 29, of Belmont Road, Whitstable, and Keenan Hall-Shelton, 31, of Ash Road, Sevenoaks, have since been charged with drug offences including conspiracy to import cannabis and the supply of cocaine.

They are to appear at Maidstone Crown Court on Friday.

The following people were taken into custody today on suspicion of conspiracy to import cannabis:

• A 35-year-old man from Greenhithe;

• A 35-year-old woman from Greenhithe;

• A 49-year-old woman and a 30-year-old man arrested at the same address in Swanscombe;

• A 38-year-old man from Gravesend;

• A 26-year-old woman from Swanscombe;

• A 32-year-old woman from Hoo;

• A 41-year-old woman from Chatham;

• A 25-year-old man from Dartford.

Meanwhile 153 ‘cease and desist’ letters were sent to addresses known to have received packages linked to the investigation.

The recipients have been warned they risk arrest and prosecution if they accept any further deliveries in the future.