by Emma Grove

egrove@thekmgroup.co.uk

More than 30 people suspected of being connected with class A drug networks have been arrested in one of the biggest Kent police crackdowns in years.

The raids took place at homes across Sittingbourne and Sheppey yesterday and Wednesday with more than 120 police officers taking part.

The operation targeted those suspected of dealing hard drugs and with links to other offences such as theft, burglary and car crime.

On Wednesday, police conducted warrants at several address and 15 people were arrested for suspected drug offences and taken into custody.

Yesterday, more raids were carried out and by 9.45am, 18 further arrests for suspected drug and related offences had been made.

The raids were part of a joint operation involving the local police and members of the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate, which investigates organised crime.

The arrests come at the start of a month-long operation to disrupt major class A drugs supply networks which have been set up in Swale.

Area commander for mid Kent, Chief Superintendent Matthew Nix, said the consequences bring in an underbelly of crime such as burglary and car thefts.

He added: "Kent police will not tolerate criminality in any of its guises and it's why we are taking swift intervention to close down the networks and deal with its effects.

"A period of consolidation is now under way, to help improve the lives of local residents.

"On the back of this success against criminal networks, we are launching a major offensive against anti-social behaviour in the area.

"Not only will we be working closely with drug treatment services to get help to those who need it, but we will be engaging with residents right at the heart of the Swale community, tackling with our partners everything from flytipping to untaxed vehicles.

"I want to stress that the local police and our partners will be here for the long haul. We will be in the communities, dealing with issues that matter locally to residents.

"Furthermore, we are keen to hear the feedback from local people if they know crime is taking place, as we want to take a real stand against those who come to the area to commit crime. It won't be tolerated and we will bring them to justice."

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