Drugs, cash and weapons removed from the streets of Eastleigh during national week of intensification

Drugs, cash and weapons have been taken off the streets of Eastleigh as part of a national week of intensification to tackle drug supply and related high harm that brings violence and misery to our communities, and exposes young people at risk of exploitation.

Officers from across our district have been targeting those individuals responsible for supplying drugs in our area, including those travelling from large cities from further afield, such as London.

At 6am on Tuesday 26 November, officers executed a Section 8 (PACE) warrant at a property on Lewis Road, Eastleigh.

A 23-year-old man from Lewisham was arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of a Class A drug.

Among the items also seized from address were £2,000 in cash, cannabis, mobile phones, drug paraphernalia and a wooden baton.

Involved in the operation were officers from Eastleigh Priority Crime Team (PCT), Eastleigh Neighbourhood Policing Team (NPT), Hedge End Neighbourhood Policing Team (NPT), local District Policing Teams (DPT), the Neighbourhood Enforcement Team (NET) and Criminal Investigation Department (CID).

The arrested man has since been released on conditional police bail, pending further enquiries.

On Friday 29 November, a stop-check at Eastleigh Railway Station resulted in the arrest of a 27-year-old man from Southampton on suspicion of possession with intent to supply a controlled drug of Class A.

Suspected Class A drugs, £140 in cash and a mobile were also seized. Involved in the arrest and follow-up work were officers from the following teams - NPT, PCT and NET. The man has been released on conditional police bail, pending further enquiries.

On the same day, a 25-year-old man from West End was arrested on Botley Road, Fair Oak on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of a Class A drug.

Suspected Class A drugs, cannabis and more than £900 in cash were also seized. Involved in the arrest and follow-up work were officers from the following teams – DPT, PCT, NPT and NET.

The man has been released under investigation, pending further enquiries.

Speaking after the week of action, Eastleigh District Commander, Chief Inspector Matt Paling, said: “Drug-related activity will not be tolerated in our communities and we will continue to relentlessly pursue and deal with those who are causing the most harm in our town.

“Whether that be through warrants or other operations, we will do everything we can do protect our communities and keep people safe from harm.
“As we often say, though, 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 other operations, and tackle illegal drug activity across Eastleigh.

“Please continue to let us know of any drug-related activity in the area in which you live, so we can allocate our resources to effectively and robustly deal with it.”

County Lines means to deal drugs using mobile phones, usually from large cities to towns and rural areas in the UK. Line holders will use runners, often young and vulnerable children, to deliver the drugs. It’s linked to some of the most serious and violent crimes such as human trafficking, modern slavery, and child exploitation.

Advice and support:

• Crimestoppers – An independent charity, which offers a range of advice and support. Crimes can be reported completely anonymously on 0800 555 111.
• Missing People’s SafeCall – a confidential and anonymous helpline and support service for young people and family members in England and Wales that are affected by county lines and criminal exploitation. The service also provides confidential support and advice for professionals in relation to their work with an exploited young person or family. Call or text 116000 for free, 9am to 11pm, 7 days a week.
• Barnardo’s Independent Child Trafficking Guardianship Service - provides an independent source of advice and advocacy for children who have been trafficked and somebody who can speak up on their behalf.
• NSPCC – provides advice on how to spot the signs and report child exploitation and involvement in gangs.
• The Children’s Society – a national charity, which aims to protect and support young people from a range of issues, including child exploitation, criminal gangs and violence.

If you have any information or are concerned about someone then you should call the police on 101 to make a report or 999 if there is an immediate risk. If on a train text British Transport Police on 61016.

The facts and figures in the above graphic showcase the Constabulary's results across the whole of Hampshire and Isle of Wight throughout the week of action.