Drug dealers and people carrying knives were targeted during a police operation at a number of train stations.

Two people were arrested and 30 people were searched during the operation, all of whom used the rail network to travel across borders from London and other counties.

Both uniformed and plain clothed officers used overt and covert tactics to identify people of interest at Watford Junction, Watford High Street, Bushey and Carpenders Park.

Knife sweeps were also carried out in the areas surrounding the railway stations but no weapons were recovered.

Police officers in Three Rivers and Watford were joined by colleagues from the British Transport Police.

A 26-year-old man from Walthamstow was arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply class A drugs. Fifty wraps of suspected cocaine were recovered.

He was released under investigation while enquiries continue.

A 47-year-old man was given a cannabis warning and two people were reported for fare evasion.

A 15-year-old girl was also found after being reported missing from the Metropolitan Police area. She was found at Watford Junction and returned to a place of safety.

PC Mikey Logue, from the Three Rivers Operation Scorpion team, said: “The primary aim of this operation was to prevent, detect and deter those who cause the most harm to our communities.

“It was a real success and reinforced the message that Hertfordshire is a hostile place for criminals travelling across the border.

“It was also encouraging to find that no weapons had been deposited around the stations for use at a later date.

“Lastly, it gave us a great opportunity to engage with members of public, many of whom told us it was reassuring to see such a police presence.

“We are planning future operations so we keep continual pressure on those who choose to come into our county in an attempt to commit crime. You are not welcome here.”