Eight people in Margate are among 16 arrested during a week-long operation to tackle drug crime in east Kent.
Kent Police officers from across East Division took part in the initiative between October 16-20, with the additional aim of clamping down on violent crime and the exploitation of vulnerable people.
The operation targeted offenders who attempt to sell and distribute class A drugs in the east of the county. Officers carried out extra patrols to target known individuals and raided addresses identified as drug-dealing hot spots.
Of the 16 arrests, eight were in Margate, four in Ashford and two each in Canterbury and Folkestone. Substances including cocaine and heroin with an approximate street value of £9,500 was seized by officers.
Detective Inspector Marcus Whitnell said: “Kent Police is taking a robust stance against the supply of class A drugs in order to protect our communities. We have had dedicated teams of officers out in force to identify and arrest offenders and gain further intelligence about others responsible.
“We hope the visibility of our patrols and the results of this operation reassures residents that we are doing everything we can to keep people safe.
“Offenders dealing in drugs pose a significant threat to vulnerable adults and children, who they often rely on to facilitate crime. We work closely with our partners, schools and youth groups to educate young people about the dangers of violent crime and would ask parents, teachers and professionals to be vigilant and speak up if they believe a child is being exploited in this way.
“Young people may be attracted to organised crime because of a sense of belonging or financial gain. But it is important to remember that crime does not pay.”