Around 160 wraps containing heroin and crack cocaine were found in Lordswood as part of a police crackdown on gangs, which has seized more than £50,000.

The money has been confiscated from suspects involved in investigations connected to Operation Jupiter – a team created to tackle criminal gangs whose members travel into the county from other areas.

Since August, the team has arrested more than 40 people in Medway, Swale and Dartford, in connection with the sale and distribution of drugs.

Marco Nunes, 23, of Jersey Road, Ilford, Essex, was charged with possession with intent to supply heroin and crack cocaine, after being arrested in North Dane Way, Lordswood, on Wednesday, September 16. He was remanded in custody and will appear at Maidstone Crown Court on Monday, November 9.

On Friday, October 9, a 54-year-old man was arrested after what is thought to be 2kgs of cocaine was seized in Greenhithe. Glen Kiley, of Green Farm Lane, Billericay, Essex was charged with possessing cocaine with intent to supply and was remanded in custody. He is due to appear at Maidstone Crown Court next Friday, October 30.

"By working together we can make it loud and clear that criminals need to stay away or face the consequences." - Ch Supt Adrian Futers

Ch Supt Adrian Futers said: “Operation Jupiter is not just about making arrests. We are continuing to develop significant intelligence about the activities of criminals attempting to operate in some of our towns and ultimately this will help us prevent and deter crime gangs from gaining a foothold in these areas.

“It remains important residents continue to play a role in helping us keep communities safe, so please report any suspicious behaviour. By working together we can make it loud and clear that criminals need to stay away or face the consequences.”

If you can help, call 01634 792150, email op.wentworth@kent.pnn.police.uk. Alternatively you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.