Two held for possessing cocaine

Police used the Ion Track machine outside nightclubs

Two people have been arrested for cocaine possession in a Kent Police crackdown on recreational drug use.

A total of 25 people were stopped after officers descended on pubs and nightclubs in Maidstone on Saturday.

More than 20 officers were armed with Ion Track technology to analyse which drug clubbers had been in contact with. Sniffer dogs were also used.

Sgt Ian Jones said: "We do have great success in swabbing and catching people with drugs on them."

Maidstone's night-time economy has grown into Kent's largest in recent years.

Its numerous bars and clubs attract revellers from around the South East, but local police say it also draws in drug users.

Anyone identified with high traces of drug residue by the Ion Track computer was searched.

Sgt Jones said even if the technology did not catch drug users out, the sniffer dog would.