Multiple arrests and drugs seized during County Lines Intensification Week in Eastleigh district

Police have made multiple arrests and seized suspected drugs, weapons and cash during a week of targeted action against county lines drug dealing networks across the Eastleigh district.

Officers carried out a range of proactive operations between Monday 2 March and Sunday 8 March as part of an intensification initiative aimed at disrupting organised drug supply activity and safeguarding vulnerable people exploited by criminal gangs.

On 2 March, officers executed a warrant at an address in Hedge End, forcing entry before carrying out a search of the property. A 28-year-old man was arrested and later charged with possession with intent to supply a controlled drug of Class A, possession with intent to supply a controlled drug of Class B, and acquiring, using or possessing criminal property.

Jordan Jake Hammett, of Shamblehurst Lane, pleaded guilty to the offences when he appeared at Southampton Magistrates’ Court on 3 March. He was remanded on conditional bail and is due to appear at Southampton Crown Court later this month for sentencing.

During the search, officers also recovered wraps of cannabis, suspected Class A drugs, cash, an imitation firearm, a Taser and several knives. Investigations into the discovery of these items are ongoing.

Further enforcement activity during the week resulted in additional arrests. On 5 March, officers carried out a proactive stop search of a vehicle in Eastleigh, where cash and suspected Class A drugs were seized. A 23-year-old man from Southampton was arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply a controlled drug of Class A, acquiring, using or possessing criminal property, using a motor vehicle without third party insurance and driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence. He has since been released on conditional police bail pending further enquiries.

On 6 March, following another vehicle stop in the town, two more men aged 36 and 30 were arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply a controlled drug of Class A. Both have also been released on police bail while investigations continue.

Alongside enforcement action, officers carried out high-visibility and covert patrols in identified hotspot areas in a bid to disrupt drug dealing activity, develop intelligence and protect vulnerable people, including young people believed to be at risk of exploitation by county lines networks.

Police also visited addresses linked to drug-related activity to carry out welfare checks and gather information, while safeguarding and educational visits were delivered at local schools and colleges to raise awareness and engage with young people who may be involved in or affected by drug lines or gang violence.

Drug users and support facilitators were also contacted during the week, with referrals made to treatment services where required or requested.

Speaking after the week of action, District Commander Chief Inspector Rachel Noble said: “Drug-related activity will not be tolerated in our communities and this week of action should further evidence that.

“We will continue to relentlessly pursue and deal with those who are causing harm in our area, as well as offer support and safeguarding to those who are vulnerable to exploitation from county lines.

“Illegal drug activity has wider implications for the community, being the root cause of many instances of crime and antisocial behaviour. We tackle it best when we have 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 refers to organised crime groups using dedicated phone lines to transport and sell drugs from major cities into smaller towns and rural areas, often exploiting children and vulnerable adults to store or distribute substances on their behalf.

Police are urging anyone who believes they may be a victim of county lines, or who has information about suspected drug dealing, to contact them on 101 or report online, always calling 999 in an emergency, or contact Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555 111 or visit their website.

The Children’s Society is a charity that supports children and vulnerable young people affected by County Lines and other crimes and abuse. Visit their website for further information: childrenssociety.org.uk