Raids target illegal drugs trade

Dartford magistrates sat late to cope with the number of defendants

More than 50 people have been arrested in a series of raids targeting the illegal drugs trade in Medway.

About 200 Kent officers were involved in the operation earlier in the week with a second wave of raids taking place on Thursday.

Police said there were 90 suspected dealers they wanted to arrest.

Most of those held so far in the operation, believed to be the biggest of its kind in the area, face charges relating to the supply of drugs.

'Influx of defendants'

The campaign began on Monday when about 500 officers from the Metropolitan Police arrested eight suspected "wholesale" drug dealers in London.

At the same time the 200 officers in Kent arrested another 15 people in Medway who police have called the "retailers" and are suspected of supplying drugs.

Further arrests have taken place during the week and those held have appeared before magistrates and are being held in custody.

In total, 53 arrests have been made for drug-related offences, one person is being questioned over theft allegations and another person is being questioned over immigration offences.

'After care'

Dartford Magistrates' Court sat until nearly 1900 GMT on Monday to cope with the influx of defendants.

Kent Police have said they are determined to avoid mistakes of previous raids by ensuring there is adequate "after care" for those affected by the arrests.

Drug users are being advised to take up places on rehabilitation courses and police officers have visited neighbours of suspected drugs dealers to find out if their lives have been affected.

And shopkeepers and chemists have been warned to expect an increase in shoplifting as the price of drugs escalates due to reduced availability.