Seven men suspected of being part of an organised crime group have been arrested after thousands of pounds in cash and a large quantity of cannabis were seized.

Police carried out early morning raids at several addresses in Ramsgate, Westgate-on-Sea and Whitstable.

Officers found £20,000 in cash and a large quantity of herbal cannabis.

An investigation is being led by the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate and seven suspects have been charged following the searches on March 21.

John Horn, 37, of Highfield Road, Ramsgate; Joseph Shuttleworth, 34, of Orchard Close, Ramsgate; Jason Tse, 40, of Beach Road, Westgate-on-Sea; Chris Palmer, 33, of Nixon Avenue, Ramsgate and Robert Georgiou, 56, of Brecon Square, Ramsgate were all charged with conspiracy to supply a class A drug.

The same charge was applied to Thomas Hilton, of Grimshill Road, Whitstable in addition to possession with intent to supply cannabis.

Yesterday, a seventh arrest was made in the operation when Oliver Eyles, 36, of Lavender Lane, Ramsgate was apprehended and charged.

The men are alleged to have been involved in a conspiracy to supply cocaine throughout the east of the county between June and October 2022.

Hilton, 27, was later released on court bail before his next appearance.

His co-defendants were remanded in custody ahead of a hearing at Canterbury Crown Court on Monday, April, 22.