Drugs, cash and weapons seized in police operation
In a significant crackdown on drug-related harm within the New Forest community, local police conducted five simultaneous proactive warrants resulting in the seizure of Class A and Class B drugs, cash, and offensive weapons. The operation took place on Tuesday, 12 September, in the Holbury area, following information provided by concerned residents about drug-related activities.
The operation was a joint effort, with officers from the newly established Neighbourhood Enforcement Team working alongside the Priority Crime Team and local neighbourhood policing officers. Their collective efforts were directed at properties on Foxcroft Drive and Crawte Avenue in Holbury.
During the execution of these warrants, the officers discovered substantial quantities of suspected Class A and Class B drugs, along with cash and drug-related paraphernalia. Additionally, a number of offensive weapons were found and subsequently seized. To gather further evidence, several mobile devices, including phones and a laptop, were also confiscated.
The operation extended beyond the properties themselves, as a caravan and two vehicles linked to the addresses were searched. This led to the discovery of more Class B drugs, an offensive weapon, and additional cash.
As of now, no arrests have been made in connection with these findings. However, the police emphasise that ongoing investigations are part of a broader effort to combat drug-related issues in the area.
Police Sergeant Andy Gwyer, in charge of the operation, stated, “Our enforcement action is intelligence-led and the proactive action was a direct result of information that we had received from local residents concerned about drug-related activity and the associated harm that this can bring to the community.”
He went on to explain, “Officers have seized drugs, drug-related paraphernalia, and offensive weapons during our searches – so while we have not yet arrested anyone in relation to these offences, what it does mean is that we have severely disrupted their activity with the hope that this will play a significant role in reducing drug-related harm in the local community.”
Gwyer highlighted the importance of community involvement, saying, “We rely on information being reported to us by the local community; as this helps us to build up a rich picture of what is happening in the local area and allows us to take swift and robust action and disrupt this type of activity. It really does make the difference to where we deploy our resources and allows us to take action like we did on Tuesday.”
Residents who have concerns about drug-related activity in their community are urged to report it directly to the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary website or by calling 101. This collaborative effort between the police and the community is vital to maintain a safe and secure environment for all residents of Holbury and the surrounding areas.
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