More than 20 people have been arrested as police seized crack cocaine and heroin during a series of early-morning raids.

Officers searched 21 properties across the Canterbury district between Tuesday and Thursday.

Cash was also seized from various addresses, including several hundred pounds found hidden in a sofa cushion.

The raids targeted suspects linked to both London-based county lines gangs and local level suppliers.

It follows a similar operation in February that resulted in the arrests of 36 people in Dover.

Chief Insp Ray Quiller said: "Suppliers of class A drugs, including crack cocaine and heroin, prey on the most vulnerable members of our society and care nothing for the trail of ruined lives they leave behind.

"Those involved in this type of criminality often go to great lengths to protect their business interests and think nothing of using knives and other weapons to inflict serious harm on their competitors or anyone else who stands in their way.

"We at Kent Police will not stand for it and the action we have taken in Canterbury this week is further proof of our commitment to remove illegal substances and the people who supply them from our streets.

"It is important to remember that while this is a significant victory in our fight against the drugs trade, we cannot afford to be complacent and will continue to work hard to ensure other criminals do not step into the shoes of those arrested."

In total, 21 people were arrested as part of the operation.

Officers have also been working with "partner agencies" in Canterbury to identify vulnerable individuals, safeguard them and offer them support.

They are also speaking with residents about their concerns and gathering intelligence to prevent other potential dealers from filling the void.

Anyone with information can report it to police at www.kent.police.uk/report or by calling 101. You can also call Crimestoppers in Kent anonymously on 0800 555111 or visit www.crimestoppers-uk.org.

Charges following Canterbury raids

The following people have been charged with offences relating to the supply of class A drug offences following the enforcement action:

· David Oligbanjo, 21, of Bingley Court, Canterbury, bailed to appear before Margate magistrates on April 16;

· Levi Strachan, 65, of Merchants Way, Canterbury, bailed to appear before Margate magistrates on April 16;

· Badewa Lahan, 21, of Merchants Way, Canterbury, bailed to appear before Margate magistrates on April 16;

· Jahzell Costley, 35, of no fixed address, remanded in custody until his first appearance at Canterbury Crown Court on April 13;

· Joshua McKenzie, 33, of no fixed address, bailed to appear before Margate magistrates on April 23;

· Daniel Kitchingham, 39, of no fixed address, remanded in custody until a date to be determined;

· Emma Rattray, 39, of no fixed address, bailed to appear before Medway magistrates on April 21;

· Kelvin Barham, 33, of no fixed address, remanded to appear at Canterbury Crown Court on April 20;

· Steven Wright, 44, of Whitstable Road, Canterbury, who was due to appear before Medway magistrates on March 19;

· Amy Adams, 22, of Manston Road, Ramsgate, bailed to appear before Margate magistrates on April 23;

· Leonie Goldthorpe, 31, of no fixed address, bailed to appear before Margate magistrates on April 23;

· Sharon Johnson, 58, of Cornwall Gardens, Canterbury, bailed to appear before Margate magistrates on April 23;

· Carrie Ann Short, 39, of Craddock Road, Canterbury, who was due to appear before Medway magistrates on March 19;

· Jake Tozer, 23, of Dover Street, Canterbury, bailed to appear before Margate magistrates on April 23;

· Mark Green, 46, of no fixed address, bailed to appear before Margate magistrates on April 23.

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