A police operation in Margate has resulted in 115 arrests and prison sentences totally nearly 80 years.

The 18-month sting was aimed at tackling gangs, disrupting the supply of drugs and tackling associated crimes including burglary, theft and handling stolen goods.

Two of those involved, Marvin Johnston and Robert Kokins, were sentenced to a total of 34 years in prison today after being convicted of selling explosives, possessing a handgun, offering to supply class A drugs, burglary and handling stolen goods.

A total of 72 warrants were carried out across Thanet, north Kent and London and stolen property including sat navs, mobile phones, pedal cycles, computer games, toys, power tools and toiletries was recovered.

A large amount of class A and B drugs were seized together with several thousand pounds in cash, explosives, firearms and ammunition.

Police arrested a total of 115 people and 108 of those were charged with offences including possession of explosives, possession of prohibited firearms, conspiracy to supply class A and B drugs, possession with intent to supply both class A and B drugs, supplying class C drugs, burglary, conspiracy to steal, theft from motor vehicles, handling stolen goods, possession of criminal property and supplying articles to be used in fraud.

In total, 84 of those charged appeared in court.

Among those caught by the operation and already serving sentences for supplying class A drugs are Ashley Kieron Jones, 42, of Queen Street, Ramsgate; Emmanuel Chivero , 26, of Athelstan Road, Margate; Grant Johncock, 24, of Victoria Avenue, Margate; Simon Nicholas Schwingen, 22, of Northdown Hill, Broadstairs, and Scott Welch, 28, of Cliftonville.

Operation Cargo also found gangs recruited vulnerable local people as drug dealers. In many cases those involved were addicted to class A drugs, which was exploited by the gangs.

Three women were dealt with for the offence of allowing their premises to be used for supplying class A drugs.

East Division Commander Chief Superintendent Andrea Bishop said: "The results of Operation Cargo is fantastic news for communities in Thanet – this has caused significant disruption to the supply of class A drugs and the associated crime and gangs that go with it.

"Indeed, some drug dealing networks have been completely dismantled and there are fewer dealers targeting vulnerable local people.

"It has been one of the largest operations of its kind in Thanet which has involved hundreds of hours of hard work by each of the officers on the investigation teams.

"Unfortunately, drugs are a reality in every part of the country and while Operation Cargo has had a significant impact on the supply of class A drugs in Thanet, we will not be complacent and will continue to target drug-related criminality."