Major Portsmouth drug investigations run cold after large cannabis factory found and CBD shop raided
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Operation Blue Island saw several raids take place across the city and surrounding area
Drug investigations following high-profile raids across the Portsmouth area have run cold.
Operation Blue Island saw several search warrants take place in 2024 in an effort to clamp down on narcotics trafficking. These took place in Cosham, Southsea, North End, Drayton, Fareham, Portchester, and across Hampshire.
Two of the three related investigations have been filed. One of these related to a large cannabis factory which was discovered in Havant Road, North End. A 29 year-old man from Portsmouth was arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the production of a Class B drug. The factory was filled with 130 plants.
After originally being bailed until June 27, 2024, he was placed under investigation pending further enquiries. A Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary spokesperson confirmed he has now been released with no further action being taken.
“Following a review of all the evidence available to police at this time, a decision has been made to file this investigation pending any further information coming to light,” they added.
The investigation following a drugs raid in Penrhyn Avenue, Drayton, has also be filed. At the time, police received reports linking drug offences at the property to a hairdressing salon in Portchester. No one was arrested at any point in the investigation.
One case from the operation which is still open relates to a raid at a CBD shop in Albert Road, Southsea. A woman from Southsea and a man from Fareham were arrested at the time. Officers carried out searches linked to the shop in Nicholas Crescent, Fareham.
Multiple kilos of cannabis plant and resin were seized, along with a large amount of drug supply paraphernalia. The police spokesperson said the individuals, both aged 43, were arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of a Class B drug and the improper importation of goods – controlled drug of Class B into the UK.
They confirmed that the pair have been “released from bail under investigation whilst enquiries continue”. Anyone with further information is advised to contact police online via its website, or by calling 101.