Kent Police stationed outside Tonbridge Station arrest men on drugs charges
Published: 10:20, 14 December 2016
Police have prevented drug users from entering a town by stationing themselves at a rail station.
Officers were assisted by sniffer dogs during a day of action in Tonbridge on Friday.
A dog was stationed outside the exits from the train station, and 24 people were searched as a result.
Two were arrested for possessing cannabis, one of which has been charged and bailed to appear at court.
One man was also arrested for being drunk and disorderly.
Police issued formal cannabis warnings to two others, who were stopped and found to be in possession of the drug.
The action was also assisted by British Transport Police, who were on hand to tackle fare evaders. At least 41 fines were issued.
Acting Inspector Matt Burdekin said: "Officers work relentlessly to deter nuisance behaviour and criminal activity, not just at the train station but throughout the town and this operation is part of our ongoing response in tackling anti-social behaviour and concerns around drug use.
"Enforcement action such as this is also very important to gain valuable intelligence on the movements of people, who we believe are linked to criminal activity.
"We plan to hold more of these enforcement days in the future, so if you’re thinking of carrying drugs or using the train to target Tonbridge to commit crime such as shoplifting, we will be looking for you."
Officers also carried out spot-checks on taxi drivers with the help of Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council.
These checks made sure the drivers were compliant with the terms of their licences.
More than 30 vehicles were checked, with most drivers being compliant. One driver was reported for traffic offences, but there were no arrests.
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Natalie Tipping