Class A drugs, imitation firearms and knives seized in week of action against county line drug networks
A week of intense police action again county line drug networks in Hampshire has led to arrests as well as the seizure of class A drugs and weapons.
Jordan Jake Hammett of Shamblehurst Lane was arrested and charged after police forced entry into an address. At the property police found and seized wraps of cannabis, suspected Class A drugs, an imitation firearm, Taser and knives.
Hammett was subsequently 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 acquire/use/possess criminal property.
He pleaded guilty to the offences and was remanded on conditional bail and will next appear at Southampton Crown Court for sentencing on Friday, March 27.
There were a number of other arrests throughout the week including a 36-year-old man from Portchester. On Friday, March 6 a vehicle he was in a vehicle was stopped by the police at the junction of Pluto Road and Tommy Green Walk in Eastleigh.
Alongside a 30-year-old from Southampton who was also in the car, the man from Portchester was arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply a controlled drug of Class A. The two men have been released on police bail pending further enquiries.
Speaking after the week of intensification, 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 refer to when drug gangs from major cities set up networks in regional areas and use vulnerable people and children to carry, store and sell their drugs for them. The line refers to the phone line being used.
Police advise anyone who believes that they are a victim of county lines, or has information about drug dealing in their neighbourhood to contact them on 101 or report online, always calling 999 in an emergency, or contact Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555 111.
The Children’s Society is a charity that supports children and vulnerable young people effected by County Lines and other crimes and abuse. Visit its website for further information.