Targeting County Lines drugs supply in Fareham and Gosport

We have been making targeted efforts to disrupt the supply of drugs across Fareham and Gosport as part of the National County Lines Intensification Week.

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

Looking specifically at Fareham & Gosport, police teams across the two districts are already proactive in their efforts to tackle drug dealing all year round – however last week saw police Forces across the country make intensified efforts to crackdown on dealers and safeguard vulnerable people.

On Monday 25 November we conducted a warrant at an address in Mount Pleasant Road, Gosport. Whilst no drugs were found, officers seized a zombie knife and a knuckle duster.

The following day, we arrested a 17-year-old boy in connection with this, on suspicion of possession of an offensive weapon in a private place. He has been released from custody but remains under investigation while further enquiries continue.

In 2021, The Offensive Weapons Act changed in legislation, banning the possession of any banned knife or weapon in a private setting, including in your own home. A full list of the banned offensive weapons can be found online: https://www.gov.uk/buying-carrying-knives

Further recent changes to the law have also prohibited the sale, manufacture, and transportation of certain zombie knives and machetes. More here: https://www.hampshire.police.uk/news/hampshire/news/news/2024/september/zombie-style-knives-and-machetes-ban-comes-into-effect/

On Tuesday 26 November we conducted another warrant, this time at Jervis Drive in Gosport. Some white powder, including a tennis ball sized block of suspected cocaine, some cannabis, some steroids and some mobile phones were seized.

A 25-year-old man was subsequently arrested on suspicion of possession of Class A and B drugs. He was released from custody but remains under investigation while our enquiries continue.

Throughout the week we also conducted visits to vulnerable people, and a vehicle was seized in Fareham that was suspected to be involved in the supply of drugs.

Drug dealing often sees vulnerable people, including children, exploited by dealers in order to run their drug networks.

We don’t want this sort of activity in our towns and cities.

If you have any information about drug dealing or suspicious activity in your neighbourhood, police report this information to police on 101, via our website, or you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers 100% anonymously on 0800 555 111.

The information you provide to us helps us develop the wider intelligence picture about the areas impacted, and what individuals and vehicles are involved.