A wanted man has been arrested after sniffer dogs helped carry out a drug search at a railway station.

The 19-year-old man from Sevenoaks, wanted in connection with violent assault, was stopped by police during checks in and around Tonbridge Railway Station.

Specially-trained police dogs were stood at the station’s entrance and exit barriers to detect anyone suspected of carrying illegal substances.

In total, 18 people were searched and four on the spot fines were issued for cannabis possession, before the wanted man was detailed by police.

He was taken to Tonbridge Police Station where he was later released pending further investigation.

Sergeant Ash Boxall of the Tonbridge Community Policing Team said: "We continue to work closely with railway enforcement officers and neighbouring police forces to prevent and disrupt violent crime in your local area through initiatives like this one.

"Operations of this kind can be used to deter all sorts of criminals from the streets, including those who carry weapons.

"I am pleased it enabled us to locate a man wanted in connection with a violent crime.

"Drug use, no matter how big or small, fuels crime.

" Our dogs can detect people who have been using illegal substances as well as carrying them.

"Anyone who is considering carrying drugs or using drugs before heading out should ask themselves – is it really worth the risk?

"As a force, we will continue to run operations like this in the future to keep our communities safe."

During the enforcement action, one other person received a formal warning and 23 people also received penalties for fare evasion.

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