Nearly 100 arrests made during Hampshire drug dealing crackdown
Police spent a week targeting County Lines activity
A week long crackdown on illegal drug activity in Hampshire, has seen nearly a total of 93 people arrested.
Police have targeted County Lines activity during a week of operations from Monday 27th February to Sunday 5th March.
County Lines means to deal drugs using mobile phones, usually from large cities to towns and rural areas in the UK.
It's linked to crimes like human trafficking, modern slavery, child exploitation, serious violence, and the possession and use of weapons.
18 County Lines networks were disrupted during the week, with 154 stop checks carried out, and 44 vulnerable people safeguarded.
A huge haul of drugs was also seized by officers - including heroin, crack, cocaine, cannabis, amphetamine and spice.
£25,595 in cash, 136 phones, 11 deal phones were taken in as well.
Weapons including five firearms, 28 knives, one axe, three bats, knuckledusters and hammers, were seized too.
In the Test Valley alone, 13 arrests were made, eight weapons were seized including two zombie knives, Class A and Class B drugs and over £3,000 in cash was found.
Chief Inspector Marcus Kennedy, County Lines Intensification Week lead, said:
“County Lines can have a significant impact on violence and crimes associated in our communities.
“Targeting these drugs networks is a priority for Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary, and intensification weeks allows targeted resources across Hampshire, the Isle of Wight and the country to tackle every aspect of these abhorrent organised criminal gangs.
“Last week, we undertook a week of action, executing warrants at key properties known for drug dealing, targeting transport networks used by county lines gangs, safeguarded victims, making significant arrests and removing a considerable amount of illegal drugs from the streets.
“This week of activity was not only about focusing on criminal gangs who prey on the vulnerable but also about supporting and protecting those who become victims of exploitation.
"We all have a responsibility to look for the signs of exploitation. This could be a child with new clothing, an expensive phone or unexplained cash. They may have a change in behaviour or are suddenly going missing.
“The public have been instrumental in supporting our operation around County Lines. Their information and engagement has assisted in making key arrests, making your communities safe.
“We would encourage anyone who believes that they are a victim of County Lines to get in touch on our non-emergency number 101, always call 999 in an emergency. Similarly, if you believe someone is caught up in County Lines activity or you have any information about drug dealing in your area, we ask that you reach out to us.
“Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary will continue to target County Lines networks and their associated crimes, holding them to account for their actions and making their lives as difficult as possible. I do not apologise for this.”