More than £60,000 worth of cigarettes and tobacco has been seized as part of a crackdown on the supply of illicit tobacco in Thanet.

At least 75 officers from KCC Trading Standards, police and HMRC this morning executed entry warrants at three shops, two houses and two vehicles.

Officers, with the support of specialist sniffer dogs, seized 131,480 cigarettes (6,574 packs) and 352 packs of hand-rolling tobacco, with a total value of £66,000.

They also seized £22,000 cash, which is believed to be the proceeds of crime.

Police arrested one person in connection with the operation.

Clive Phillips, operations manager for KCC Trading Standards, said: "This operation sends a clear message, from all agencies involved, that the supply of illicit tobacco will not be tolerated.

"We will take robust action with our partners against those who undermine legitimate businesses, cause harm to our communities and avoid paying the appropriate taxation which funds our vital public services."