Seven Arrested In Police Operation

Police conducted two operations over the last two days to target suspected on-street drug dealing in Southampton.

They were part of Operation Fortress, Hampshire Constabulary's campaign to reduce the harm of drug-related violence.

On Wednesday, November 7, officers carried out stop-checks around Shirley and the city centre and detained and searched seven people. All were released with no further action.

On Thursday, November 8, officers stopped and searched eight people, of whom one was arrested. They carried out a search of an address on Cranbury Avenue and a further six people were arrested. All seven were arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to supply class A drugs. A quantity of suspected class A drugs was seized.

Detective Sergeant Jan Bulfield from the Operation Fortress team said:

"These targeted operations are focused on disrupting the supply of drugs in Southampton and making the city a hostile place for anyone who comes here to deal drugs and use violence to threaten or intimate others.

"At the same time as restricting the supply of drugs, we are working with partners through Operation Fortress to help reduce the demand for drugs and to help rebuild communities free from the fear of violence.

"You can help too by telling us if you have concerns about drug dealing or violence where you live. It might be you're worried about possible drug paraphernalia on the street, suspicious callers to homes in the neighbourhood or the feeling something is not right."

If you're concerned about drug dealing or drug-related violence where you live, call the police on 101 or email operation.fortress@hampshire.pnn.police.uk

If a crime is in progress, always call 999.

If you're living in fear or debt because of drugs, you can speak to the Operation Fortress team in confidence by email operation.fortress@hampshire.pnn.police.uk or on 101.

If you're worried about your own drug use, The Bridge open access drug centre can be contacted on 02380 881400.

The Parent Support Link on 02380 39 9764 offers support and advice to people affected by someone else's drug use.