Drugs and weapons seized in Eastleigh during County Lines Intensification Week
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Officers seized Class A drugs, cannabis and weapons during a week of action against county lines drug dealing networks in Eastleigh.
Between Monday 9 October and Sunday 15 October, drug-related operations, including warrants, were carried out across Hampshire, including the Eastleigh area.
The proactive work was undertaken by officers from Eastleigh Priority Crime Team, Eastleigh Neighbourhood Policing Team and Hedge End Neighbourhood Policing Team.
The following is just some of the activity which took place over the seven-day period.
On Thursday 12 October, cannabis and weapons, including a smartphone stun gun, were seized during a warrant at an address in The Quadrangle, Eastleigh.
Shortly before 8am, officers forced entry to the address. A 40-year-old woman and an 18-year-old man were inside the property.
Those present are awaiting interview in connection with the discovery of the drugs and weapons.
Speaking after the warrant, District Commander for Eastleigh, Matt Paling, said: “Drug-related activity will not be tolerated in our communities. Warrants, such as this one, are just one of the ways we can tackle the problem.
“We will continue to relentlessly pursue and deal with those who are causing harm in our town.
“But of course, as we often say, we can only do what we do with the support and help of the community itself.
“The information we receive from the public is vital to us being able to carry out warrants and tackle illegal drug activity across Eastleigh.
“Please continue to let us know of drug-related activity in the area in which you live, so we can allocate our resources to effectively and robustly deal with it.”
On Monday 9 October, a suspected drug deal was interrupted in Olympic Way, Eastleigh. A small amount of suspected Class A drugs were taken off the streets and a 54-year-old man, from Fair Oak, was given a Community Resolution in connection with the find.
County lines refer to when drug gangs from major cities set up networks in regional areas and use vulnerable people and children to carry, store and sell their drugs for them. The line refers to the phone line being used.
Anyone who believes that they are a victim of county lines, or has information about drug dealing in their neighbourhood can contact us on 101 or report online, always calling 999 in an emergency, or contact Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555 111.
Report | Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary
Independent UK charity taking crime information anonymously | Crimestoppers (crimestoppers-uk.org)
The Children’s Society is a charity that supports children and vulnerable young people effected by County Lines and other crimes and abuse. Visit their website for further information.