Drugs seized during County Lines Intensification Week in Eastleigh
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Officers seized drugs, gathered intelligence, disrupted offenders and safeguarded vulnerable people during a week of action against county lines drug dealing networks in Eastleigh.
Between Monday 4 March and Sunday 10 March, various drug-related operations and activities, were carried out across Hampshire, including the Eastleigh area.
The proactive work was undertaken by officers from a variety of teams, including Eastleigh Priority Crime Team, Eastleigh Neighbourhood Policing Team and Hedge End Neighbourhood Policing Team.
On Monday 4 October, officers attended an address in Grantham Road, Eastleigh.
A 34-year-old man from Eastleigh was arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply a controlled drug of Class B.
A 29-year-old man from Eastleigh was also arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply a controlled drug of Class B.
Both men were released on bail, pending further enquiries.
At the address, officers also seized cannabis, several mobile phones, along with drug paraphernalia.
Officers also completed proactive foot, bicycle and vehicle patrols in identified hotspot areas across the district.
These patrols were both high-visibility and covert, with the aim being to disrupt any dealing activity, develop intelligence, safeguard vulnerable people, including juveniles and those being exploited by county lines networks.
Visits were also paid to known addresses for drug-related activity, where checks were completed on those residing at such properties, with the focus being on pursuing offenders, protecting those most at risk and preventing drug-related crime.
Additionally, safeguarding and educational visits were completed at local schools and colleges, with the intention being to deliver key messages, as well as target and engage with any young people in contact with drug lines, or involved in gang violence.
Drug users and drug support facilitators were also visited over the course of the week, with sign-posting and referrals made to local treatment centres for addiction where required or requested.
Speaking after the week of intensification, District Commander for Eastleigh, Matt Paling, said: “Drug-related activity will not be tolerated in our communities and this week of action is hopefully further evidence of that.
“We will continue to relentlessly pursue and deal with those who are causing harm in our town, as well as offer support and safeguarding to those who are vulnerable to exploitation from county lines.
“But of course, as we always 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 tackle illegal drug activity and support those who are vulnerable across our area.
“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.”
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.