Scores of 'lethal high' substances have been seized in a series of raids at shops across Kent yesterday.

Trading Standards officers from Kent County Council and police targeted 16 shops in Ashford, Maidstone, Margate, Chatham, Sheerness, Folkestone, Gravesend and Canterbury.

It follows a campaign launched last year with raids carried out at the same shops to tackle the problem of new psychoactive substances (NPS).

Half of the 16 shops visited were found to have no relevant substances while four more were closed - one permanently.

Of the following four premises NPSs were found but a significantly reduced level.

Three were found to have a combined total of just 79 packets between them while a fourth had a more substantial haul, which are currently being analysed.

"It is encouraging to see that the majority of businesses in Kent are now getting the message loud and clear that this will no longer be tolerated." Inspector Garry Brimson, Kent Police

Compare that to 12 months ago when more than 400 samples were seized and a further 1,400 suspended from sale.

KCC Trading Standards manager Richard Strawson said: “We see this dramatic reduction in the number shops selling these substances as a significant success.

“As we pointed out last year, we regard them as ‘lethal’ rather than ‘legal’ highs because they are dangerously unpredictable and unsafe.

“The government has already announced plans to crackdown on these substances, with sellers facing up to seven years in prison."

Inspector Garry Brimson of Kent Police said: “We regard this week’s operation as a great success.

"It is encouraging to see that the majority of businesses in Kent, which had previously sold new psychoactive substances (NPS), are now getting the message loud and clear that this will no longer be tolerated.

"There is still some work to be done on ensuring that potential users are aware of the dangers.

"When you buy one, you don’t know what you are buying, and the effect you want may be totally different to the effect you get.

"It is important to remember that just because people have previously been able to buy something legally, this does not always mean that it was necessarily safe for human consumption."

Here's a break down of the raids held yesterday:

• Gravesend: one shop – no substances found
• Maidstone: two shops closed and nothing found in two more;
• Folkestone: 4 samples seized and 22 suspended from sale in one shop; nothing found in a second shop;
• Canterbury: 7 packets seized and 8 suspended from one shop; nothing found at three others;
• Ashford: shop closed;
• Sheerness: 3 seized and 35 suspended at one shop; nothing found at another;
• Margate: a number of substances found at one shop, currently being analysed.
• Chatham: shop closed