Hampshire Police Dismantle 15 County Line Drug Networks in Intensive Weeklong Operation

Hampshire and the Isle of Wight have witnessed a remarkable week of police operations, with the police intensifying their efforts to combat drug-related harm and violence stemming from county line drug dealers. In this impressive display of proactive policing, fifteen county line drug networks have been dismantled and disrupted, sending a resounding message that illegal drug activities will not be tolerated in these communities.

Over the course of the past week, police officers in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight arrested 87 criminals and seized a staggering £106,000 worth of illegal drugs, in addition to confiscating more than 50 offensive weapons. This extraordinary achievement was part of a national initiative aimed at tackling county line drug operations head-on.

County lines drug-dealing networks have been notorious for their ability to adapt their tactics in response to police efforts. However, the technical capabilities at the disposal of the police, coupled with the knowledge gathered from previous operations, have made it clear that county lines activities are no longer a low-risk, high-reward enterprise for organised crime gangs.

The extensive policing activities conducted across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight during this operation led to:

• 87 people arrested
• 15 county lines identified and disrupted
• 13 drug warrants executed
• 159 mobile phones seized
• £106,000 drugs seized
• Over £51K cash seized
• 200+ stop and searches, 15% of which involved a person aged Under 18.

Chief Inspector Marcus Kennedy, Tactical County Lines lead for Hampshire and the Isle of Wight Constabulary, emphasised the impact of this operation on tackling these criminal networks. He stated, “County line gangs run despicable, exploitative criminal operations, manipulating the most vulnerable to do their dirty work, tearing families and communities apart in the process.”

“This intense week of operational and partnership activity has been incredibly successful in disrupting and shutting down county line networks running in our towns and cities,” Chief Inspector Kennedy added. The police executed 13 warrants, made 87 arrests, and visited 62 cuckooed addresses in the past week, all related to drug-related harm.

Safeguarding has been a central aspect of the police response. A total of 58 vulnerable individuals, including two children under the age of 18, were referred to support services via the National Referral Mechanism. Additionally, officers engaged with schools and collaborated with partners like the Children’s Society on the #LookCloser exploitation campaign to combat this criminal enterprise.

The police have not only targeted drug operations but have also successfully seized over 50 offensive weapons, including firearms, zombie knives, Tasers, machetes, and ammunition. This action is crucial in ensuring the safety of the community and reducing the fear and violence associated with these criminal activities.

Chief Inspector Kennedy reaffirmed the commitment of the police, saying, “We are dedicated to bringing those responsible for violence and exploitation to justice and will use all avenues available to us, including increased use of Modern Slavery legislation to target line holders.”

Several notable successes were reported across the region, including a substantial seizure of cash, suspected Class A and B drugs, multiple phones, and proceeds of crime during a warrant in Gosport. Two firearms, knives, and a large quantity of Class A drugs and phones were seized during a warrant in Andover. In Southampton, officers arrested one man and seized weapons and phones while safeguarding an adult and a child inside a cuckooed address. Other warrants in Portsmouth and Basingstoke also led to significant drug and weapon seizures.

This week of intensive operations sends a strong message that Hampshire and the Isle of Wight will not tolerate criminal activities that exploit and endanger the community. With a focus on safeguarding, disruption, and bringing criminals to justice, the police are working diligently to ensure the safety and well-being of residents.

As the fight against county line drug networks continues, the public are being encouraged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the police, ensuring that communities can thrive free from the threat of drug-related harm and violence.

James Simmonds-Read, National Programme Manager at The Children’s Society, said: “Criminals groom young people in person or online and use terrifying threats and violence to force them into crimes such as carrying drugs and fraud or exploiting them sexually. We want to highlight how exploitation can happen to any young person, anywhere, and as the nights draw in, we especially urge people to spot the signs of exploitation in public places after dark. Young people can be targeted at fast food outlets, forced to travel on trains and in taxis late at night, and are abused behind closed doors, in hotels and holiday lets. Whether you are on a night out, commuting home, staying overnight for a business trip, or working as a driver or in customer service, you could be the one that gets help. Call the police on 101 or 999 if there is an immediate risk. If on a train text British Transport Police on 61016. Alternatively, you can contact the NSPCC for advice on 0808 800 5000.”