22 Arrested in Drug Raids

Kent Police have raided addresses in North Kent and South East London in an early morning operation.

They are all being questioned at North Kent police station on suspicion of supplying controlled drugs.

The day of action was planned to disrupt a number of drugs networks involving suppliers and users across Dartford and Gravesham and is the culmination of around four months’ work and intelligence-led investigation.

Around 30 addresses were targeted by 10 teams of Kent Police officers this morning (Tuesday 16 March 2010).

Assistant Chief Constable Alan Pughsley, responsible for specialist operations, said: “Kent Police continues to target those people who cause the most harm to our communities. Drug dealing is a blight on our society and feeds other crimes such as burglary and theft. We are determined to do all that we can to stop this activity and we work constantly to disrupt these criminal groups and stop them getting a foothold in the area.

“They create havoc and misery and it is down to vital information from people in the community that we have been able to make these arrests today.

“By targeting key offenders and placing them before the courts, Kent Police and partner agencies have driven crime in North Kent down by 33 per cent over the past four years making Dartford and Gravesham safer than ever before.”

As part of the operation, neighbourhood teams will be out and about in the communities where addresses have been targeted, with information about today’s activity. Mobile police stations have also been sited in Dartford and Gravesend town centres to inform people about what has been happening and to gather further information about any criminal activity.

Can you help?

If you have any information or concerns about criminal activity where you live, you can contact:

• your local neighbourhood policing team on 01622 690690

• Kent Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111