Nine Arrested In Drugs Operation

Officers led by Hampshire Constabulary’s Major Investigation team this morning - Tuesday April 24th -carried out a series of raids to combat drug dealing.

Operation Perth is part of a long-term investigation into the large scale supply of class A drugs, mainly cocaine, and associated money laundering. 
 
Detectives executed warrants at 13 addresses across Southampton, Eastleigh and Bishops Waltham at around 6am (Tuesday, April 24). 
 
Nine people were arrested and are currently being held in custody for questioning at police stations across the county. 
 
About 150 Hampshire Constabulary police officers were involved in executing the warrants, searching properties and arresting and interviewing suspects. 
 
Detective Inspector Simon Baker said:  “Operation Perth coincides with the execution of warrants by police forces in Northamptonshire and Cambridgeshire. 
 
“It’s part of a combined effort to disrupt the supply of controlled drugs across the country and the associated money laundering. 
 
“We don’t tolerate drug supply or use and we hope that by carrying out these warrants we can make a difference to the lives of people in communities affected by these crimes and the anti-social behaviour that often comes with them. 
 
“If you’re concerned about drug activity in your neighbourhood, let us know. The more we know about it, the more we can do about it.
 
“If you don’t want to speak to the police directly, you can always use the Crimestoppers line anonymously.”
 
Three Southampton men, aged 28, 29 and 49, were arrested on suspicion of supplying class A drugs and conspiracy to launder proceeds. 
 
Two men, 24 and 48, and a woman, 53, from Southampton, a man and woman from Eastleigh, both 28, and a woman from Bishops Waltham, 27, were all arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to supply class A drugs and conspiracy to launder proceeds. 

Contact police on 101 or 999 in an emergency or the anonymous Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.