Over 40 Arrested In Operation Jupiter

More than 40 people have been arrested and over £50,000 seized since the launch of Operation Jupiter in August, Kent Police have reported.

Operation Jupiter was launched in an effort to tackle emerging criminal gangs, whose members often travel into the county from other areas.

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

On 09 October officers arrested a 54-year-old man following the seizure of what is believed to be around two kilograms of cocaine in Greenhithe.

Police stopped a van being driven in Crossway Boulevard. Two packages containing substances believed to contain the Class A drug were removed from the vehicle.

Glen Kiley, of Green Farm Lane, Billericay, was charged with possessing cocaine with intent to supply and has been remanded into custody. He is due to appear at Maidstone Crown Court on 30 October.

Other notable arrests include an incident in North Dane Way, Chatham on 16 September, which led to the seizure of almost 160 wraps, containing heroin and crack cocaine.

Marco Nunes, 23, of Jersey Road, Ilford was charged with possession with intent to supply heroin and crack cocaine. He was remanded in custody and will appear at Maidstone Crown Court on 9 November.

Chief Superintendent Adrian Futers, commander of Kent Police's North Division, 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 organised crime gangs from gaining a foothold in these areas.

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

(MH/CD)