Police arrest man, 28, after £17k cocaine bust in street next to Gosport primary school
POLICE have arrested a suspected drugs deal after seizing a haul of cocaine worth £20,000 during a narcotics bust near a primary school.
Officers raided the drugs den in Albert Street, Gosport, yesterday and discovered the cocaine cache as well as £17,000 in cash.
The bust took place just feet away from Newtown C of E Primary School, which backs onto the gardens of some properties in the road.
Antonio Panayi, 28, of Albert Street, has been charged with possession of a class A drug with intent to supply, and two counts of possession of a class B drug with intent to supply.
He has been remanded in custody to appear at Portsmouth Magistrates’ Court tomorrow.
The latest bust was part of Hampshire Constabulary’s efforts to crackdown on county lines drugs gangs.
A spokesman for the police force said: ‘Tackling county lines drugs supply and its consequences is a national law enforcement priority. Hampshire police, along with other police forces and partners, work extensively to identify and target the most serious perpetrators.’
Police have urged residents to be ‘vigilant’ and report any ‘suspicious activity’ to them by calling 101 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.