The operation was carried out at prisons including HMP Swaleside

Two women have been arrested during an operation to clamp down on drugs being smuggled into prisons on the Isle of Sheppey.

Police and prison officers searched visitors and vehicles heading into the three jails where around 3,000 inmates are held.

A 32-year-old woman, from Deal, was arrested on suspicion of possessing what is thought to be ecstacy.

And a 42-year-old woman, from Aylesford, was held by officers on suspicion of possessing cannabis with intent to supply.

Both women have been released on police bail until May pending further investigation.

The operation at the Sheppey Cluster – HMPs Elmley, Standford Hill and Swaleside – was carried out by officers from the Island neighbourhood team, a tactical operations team and Prison Service staff.

Insp Noel Stanley, (pictured right) from Kent Police, said: "We take any suggestion of supply of contraband into prison extremely seriously and this operation shows how hard we, along with HM Prison Service, work to combat this.

"Anybody attempting to bring illegal goods in can expect to be punished."

Officers also targeted motoring offences, seizing vehicles issuing fines.

Peter Darragh, 32, of Mill Hill, Deal, was arrested and charged with causing criminal damage, driving without third party insurance and driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence. He is due to appear in court on May 8.

Four vehicles were seized by officers – two for having no insurance, one as its driver was disqualified and one as its driver did not have a driving licence.

Officers issued three fines for people not wearing seatbelts, a fine for having illegally tinted windows and an official warning for possessing cannabis.