Three arrests and drugs and cash seized in New Forest county lines crackdown by Hampshire police

POLICE arrested three people and seized drugs and hundreds of pounds during a crackdown on county lines dealing networks in the New Forest.

The week of action ran between Monday 9th and Sunday 15th October, with drug-related operations carried out across the district.

Officers from the New Forest priority crime team and local neighbourhood policing teams sought to disrupt county lines, which involves drug gangs from major cities setting up networks in regional areas.

On Monday 9th October, a mobile phone, cannabis and £530 in cash were seized at a property on Kitchers Close in Hythe.

A 36-year-old Southampton man was arrested there on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of a class B drug and assaulting an emergency worker.

He was later released on conditional bail, pending further enquiries.

On the same day, as previously reported in the A&T, officers executed a drugs warrant at an address on Gregory Gardens in Totton.

Several cannabis plants were discovered inside and subsequently seized.

On Wednesday 11th October, police stopped a vehicle on Foresters Road in Fawley and seized several small bags of suspected class A drugs.

A 35-year-old Holbury man was arrested on suspicion of possessing a class A drug with intent to supply, failing to stop for police and drug-driving.

He was released under investigation for the suspected driving offences and received a conditional caution in relation to the possession offence.

That same day, officers visited an address on Knightstone Grange in Hythe and arrested a 23-year-old man from London on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of class A and B drugs.

This came after cannabis, mobile phones and £600 in cash were seized.

Later charged with being concerned in the supply of class A drugs, Jamali Calvert (23), of Garnet Road in Brent, London, was remanded in custody to appear at Southampton Crown Court on Friday 10th November.

Insp. Darren Ord said: “The week of action saw our officers working extremely hard to put a dent in the district’s drug dealing operation.

“County lines can have a significant impact on crime in our communities. Targeting them is a priority for us, as we know they are associated with exploitation, organised criminality and violence.

“This week of activity was also an opportunity to support and protect those who are most vulnerable to county lines – those who become victims of exploitation.”

People were urged to look out for the warning signs of exploitation, including a child with new clothing, an expensive phone or unexplained cash, as well as a sudden change in behaviour.

“You are our eyes and ears, so please continue to report information about drug dealing or exploitation to us – it allows us to take action and lock up criminals,” Insp. Ord continued.

“We will continue to target county lines networks and their associated crimes in our area, holding them to account for their actions and making their lives as difficult as possible.”

Anyone who believes they are a victim of county lines, or has information about drug dealing in their neighbourhood, should contact officers online at hampshire.police.uk or by calling 101.

People should always dial 999 in emergencies.

Crimestoppers can also be contacted anonymously online at crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling 0800 555 111.

The Children’s Society supports children and vulnerable young people affected by county lines and other crimes and abuse. For more information visit childrenssociety.org.uk