Three men have been arrested at Dartford Station after a Friday night police operation caught them in possession of drugs and knives.

Officers from Bexley Police joined forces with the British Transport Police's Metro Team and Kent Police on Friday night, August 14, conducting stop and searches at train station barriers.

The operation, titled Operation Avara, is a concentrated squeeze on criminal activity on London's public transport network, targeting antisocial behaviour, those carrying knives and drugs and wanted criminals on the run.

The latest operation at Dartford Station saw over 20 stop and searches, resulting in a number of reports to court for possession of drugs.

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Separate to this, three people were arrested by officers.

One adult male was found in possession of a bladed article, and has been arrested and charged.

A second male was arrested and charged with possession of both Class A and Class B drugs, cannabis and cocaine.

A third adult male was arrested for theft by finding after he discovered a purse in the street and decided to use the cards in Dartford Town Centre.

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Bexley Police said: "We will continue to target those who intend to use the public transport network around South East London and North Kent to commit criminal activity and keep the public safe."