Operation Blue Island sees day of intensified enforcement activity across the city

Today (Tuesday 26 March) the Portsmouth Area Crime Team, in conjunction with the Criminal Investigation Department and supported by other teams across the city, have been carrying out a day of enforcement action.

Operation Blue Island utilised information and intelligence to target the criminal activity of individuals in Portsmouth who cause community harm, as part of Hampshire and IOW Constabulary’s commitment to relentlessly pursue criminals. As part of this day of intensified action, we have executed six warrants in Cosham, Drayton, Southsea, Fareham and Portchester.

We received intelligence that a CBD shop on Albert Road was suspected to be involved in the supply of illegal drugs. Following this information, we have executed a warrant at the shop and also at an address in Nicholas Crescent, Fareham. Multiple kilos of cannabis plant and resin, as well as drug supply paraphernalia, has subsequently been located and seized from the sites. A 41-year-old woman and a 40-year-old man from Fareham have been arrested on suspicion of importing and being concerned in the supply of cannabis and they remain in police custody at this time.

An unconnected cannabis factory was also discovered after we carried out a warrant at an address on Havant Road in North End. Officers found over 100 plants and a 29 year-old man from Portsmouth has been arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the production of a Class B drug. He has been released on bail while enquiries continue.

Another warrant was carried out at an address in Penrhyn Avenue after reports were received connecting it to possible drug offences linked to a hairdressing salon in Portchester. Items have been seized from the addresses for further investigation.

In addition to these warrants, a further six people have been arrested as part of enforcement action across the city. These arrests were in connection with offences including fraud, high-risk domestic abuse, indecent images, and sexual assault.

A proactive RPU team has also been out using ANPR and recent vehicle intelligence to carry out proactive patrols targeting vehicles of interest.

Detective Chief Inspector Ross Toms said “We are fully committed to ensuring that local communities do not suffer as a result of criminality and will do everything we can to target offenders that continue to cause harm, crime and anti-social behaviour within Portsmouth.

“Today’s activity is only a snapshot of the work we are doing to relentlessly pursue those who are committing crime and causing misery within our city, however we hope the results we’ve seen today help assure the public that we are listening to their concerns and criminality will not be tolerated.

“Targeting those involved in drug-related activity and the associated violence that comes with it continues to be a key priority for us. We are pleased with today’s results and want to assure our local communities that we will be continuing with our intensified efforts to make Portsmouth a hostile city for criminals to operate in.”

The support of the local community plays a vital role in making these operations a success and helps us make our communities safer. Any information you can provide that helps us bring offenders to justice is greatly appreciated.

You can report crime, including anti-social behaviour and suspicious activity, to us via 101 or online at https://www.hampshire.police.uk/tua/tell-us-about/cor/tell-us-about-existing-case-report/

Alternatively, reports can be made 100% anonymously by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or visiting their website at www.crimestoppers-uk.org

Always call 999 in an emergency or if a crime is in progress.