Nine arrests made during organised crime crackdown

Police seized cannabis plants including from this site in Rochester

Nine people have been arrested and drugs and weapons seized by police in Kent during a national crackdown targeting organised crime.

Warrants were carried out at eight properties in towns including Rochester, Meopham, Greenhithe, Maidstone and Tonbridge.

Kent Police was among forces around the country to take part in Op Mille to try to dismantle cannabis-producing networks.

Senior officers said cannabis grows cause damage to properties, with buildings becoming dangerous fire risks, which can endanger people.

About 180 cannabis plants were seized along with imitation firearms and £1,100 in cash during the operation.

Det Ch Insp Martin Davies said: "Cannabis cultivation and drug supply is linked to a wide variety of other criminal and gang activities, street violence, and exploitation of the young and vulnerable.

"For these reasons, we will not stop in our work collecting intelligence, arresting suspects and bringing people before the courts, so we can keep the county safe."