THIS is the dramatic moment when almost 60 police officers burst into a Hampshire social club in a major drugs raid.

Members of The Fordingbridge Club were told to sit with their hands on their heads while officers searched the premises and police dogs sniffed out any illegal substances.

Three men were subsequently charged with possessing cannabis and cocaine and are due to appear in court later this week.

The raid comes three months after Shaun Wells, 23, of Whitsbury Road, Fordingbridge, was found dead in bed after a night out at the club.

But police say the operation is "not directly linked" to Mr Wells' death, which is understood to have been drink and drugs-related.

Officers swooped on the club on Friday and made a total of eight arrests.

Chief Inspector Gary Cooper said: "This is one of a number of drugs-related warrants executed in the Fordingbridge area in the past year.

"Drug-related crime and antisocial behaviour is something we take very seriously and remains a priority for us over the next year.

"We are fortunate to have received useful information from members of the community about the use of drugs in the town.

"I would encourage Fordingbridge residents to continue to contact us with details of any drug-related activity or other incidents of antisocial behaviour."

Following the raid Adrian Cooper, 19, of High Street, Damerham, was charged with possession of cannabis.

Anthony Harris, 30, of Pennys Lane, Fordingbridge, and Matthew Jones, 21, of Picket Close, Fordingbridge, were charged with possession of cocaine.

All three men are due to appear at New Forest Magistrates' Court on Friday.

A 20-year-old Salisbury man was arrested on suspicion of possession of a class A drug with intent to supply. He was released on bail until July 7, pending further inquiries.

An 18-year-old Fordingbridge man was cautioned for possession of cannabis resin, a class C substance.

Another 18-year-old from the town was cautioned for possession of cannabis.

A Fordingbridge man in his 30s was given a warning for possessing a small quantity of cannabis resin.

A Dorset man in his 20s arrested on suspicion of possessing a controlled substance was later released without further action.