Dozens of people have been stopped and searched in a police crack-down on street drug dealing.

Kent Police carried out high visibility patrols in Folkestone to deter and disrupt the dealing and taking of drugs in public areas, in response to concerns raised by local residents and information supplied by PCSOs and KCC Wardens.

Twelve student police officers worked alongside more experienced officers and used stop and search powers against 42 people.

Three people were detained and searched at the police station, and four arrests were made – two for the suspected the supply of controlled drugs, one for alleged possession of cannabis and one man was wanted on a crown court warrant.

A quantity of crack cocaine was seized from one offender on his person and at his home address.

Sergeant Mark Wells said: "A robust approach was taken to enforce the law and support the local community and there was no hiding place.

“Operations like this will continue in the future and it sends a clear message that drug dealing will not be tolerated in Folkestone and I would urge the public to continue supplying information to support our work."

To ‘rat on a rat’ anonymously and help police clear neighbourhoods of drug crime, call Kent Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.