A Customs officer based at Gatwick was among nine people arrested today after a series of raids aimed at smashing an alleged drug smuggling ring.

More than 100 Customs and police officers were involved in the raids in London, which followed an investigation into the importation of class A drugs through the airport.

A Customs spokesman said the conclusion of Operation Gunned resulted in the seizure of 35kg of cocaine.

Mike Eland, chairman of Customs, said: "This has been a complex operation and I am delighted with the professional way today's activities have been carried out."