Nine people have been arrested after several cannabis farms were uncovered.

A series of raids took place at eight properties across Rochester, Meopham, Greenhithe, Maidstone and Tonbridge between February 14 and 24.

It formed part of a country-wide scheme, dubbed “Operation Mille” which saw officers disrupting and shutting down large-scaled cannabis cultivations.

Four men from London were arrested in Greenhithe and Dartford on Sunday, February 16 after cannabis plants, harvested cannabis and other drug dealing paraphernalia were found and seized from a property in Greenhithe.

Three people were arrested in Tonbridge following warrants on Wednesday, February 19.

Cannabis, imitation firearms, cash and branded deal bags were seized from two properties in the town.

Cocaine and £1,100 in cash was also seized from a man at a property in Maidstone on Friday, February 21.

He has since been charged with possession of cocaine with intent to supply and possession of criminal property.

Last Monday (February 24) he appeared before court and was remanded in custody ahead of a future court date.

More than 140 cannabis plants were also seized from an outbuilding and garage in Meopham following a warrant on Monday, February 17.

Enquiries are ongoing to identify those behind the grow.

Around 40 plants were also seized from a building in St Margaret’s Bank, Rochester during a separate warrant on Friday, February 14.

Detective Chief Inspector 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.

“Cannabis grows also cause damage to properties, with buildings becoming dangerous fire risks, which can endanger others.

“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.”