County lines drug gangs crackdown sees 31 arrested in Hampshire

Officers seized over ÂŁ78,000 of drugs in a week-long operation

31 people arrested in Hampshire during a week-long crackdown on drug dealing networks
Author: Jason BeckPublished 18th Mar 2022

31 people have been arrested in Hampshire during a week-long operation against so-called county lines drug dealing.

The networks involve gangs in cities selling drugs to customers in more rural areas via dedicated phone lines.

43 mobile phones were seized along with over ÂŁ78,000 of Class A drugs.

The operation was part of a national week of action across England and Wales that saw over 1,400 arrested.

Chief Inspector Ricky Dhanda from Hampshire Police said a "significant amount of drugs" had been taken off the streets.

He said: "It’s important to add that a lot of educational work is done by police and partners continually throughout the year.

"The week provides a focus on the high harm these drug gangs pose to our communities and to young and vulnerable people in our society who they often exploit and bring misery too."

The action by Hampshire Police included:

• 12 warrants executed

• 31 arrested - 30 men (six were aged under 18) and one female

• 43 mobile phones seized

• £13,575 cash seized

• £78,480 of drugs seized

• £47,120 crack cocaine seized

• £1,190 heroin seized

• £24,800 powder cocaine seized

• 48 education visits carried out including 10 taxi firms

• 134 cuckooed addresses visited

• 5 landlord visits

• 34 vulnerable individuals safeguarded, including four children

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