Two men arrested on suspicion of modern day slavery offence

Two men have been arrested on suspicion of a modern day slavery offence following an investigation into alleged drug dealing in Bournemouth.

At around 1.20pm on Thursday 16 March officers from the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Neighbourhood Enforcement Team (NET) responded to a report of suspected drug dealing in Lower Gardens.

They attended and detained two teenagers. Officers also reportedly located a number of wraps containing suspected class A drugs that had been hidden in the vicinity.

A 17-year-old boy from London and a 17-year-old boy from Essex were arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of class A drugs and have been released under investigation.

Following further enquiries, officers conducted searches at an address in the West Howe area as part of their investigation. They located two men at the property, one of whom was reportedly found in possession of further wraps of class A drugs.

Arrests

A 22-year-old man from the Manchester area was arrested on suspicion of possessing a class A drug with intent to supply and holding a person in slavery or servitude.

A 22-year-old man from Bournemouth was also arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of class A drugs and holding a person in slavery or servitude.

Both men have been released on police bail as investigative work continues.

Sergeant Cameron Thompson, of the NET, said: “We recognise the impact of suspected drug dealing on both our local communities and those who are reportedly being exploited by those involved in the supply chain.

“Through Operation Viper, we are proactively tackling those reported to be involved in county lines drug dealing networks that operate in the county and have been working with local and national partners to build intelligence and gather evidence.

“Once again, we have responded swiftly to a report of suspected drug dealing and have taken positive action as a result."

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