Arrests made and drugs seized in Kent during national organised crime operation

Kent Police has arrested nine people and seized cannabis, cocaine and weapons as part of a national campaign targeting organised crime.

Forces around the country took part in Op Mille in February, disrupting and shutting down cannabis cultivations and arresting those involved.

Warrants were carried out at eight properties in towns including Rochester, Meopham, Greenhithe, Maidstone and Tonbridge between 14 and 24 February 2025.

Disrupting organised crime

• Four men from London were arrested in Greenhithe and Dartford on 16 February 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 19 February. Cannabis, imitation firearms, cash and branded deal bags were seized from two properties in the town.

• Cocaine and £1,100 in cash was seized from a man at a property in Maidstone on 21 February. He has since been charged with possession of cocaine with intent to supply and possession of criminal property. He appeared before court on 24 February and was remanded in custody ahead of a future court date.

• More than 140 cannabis plants were seized from an outbuilding and garage in Meopham following a warrant on 17 February. Enquiries are ongoing to identify those behind the grow. Around 40 plants were also seized from a building in Rochester during a separate warrant on 14 February.

Protecting the public

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.'

Further details of the national campaign are here.