MORE than 20 people have been arrested in Southampton with 12 properties raided in a crackdown on county lines drug gangs.

Hampshire police carried out a week-long focus on the scourge of the crack cocaine and heroin trade - searching 70 people in the city. Some 13 people arrested were held for drug supply offences.

Police seized more than 900 deal-sized packages of drugs and cash.

In Eastleigh, three people were arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of class A drugs.

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Drugs and £540 in cash were found during a search of two men.

The two men, aged 38 and 39, and a 40-year-old woman remain under investigation for this offence.

A small amount of cannabis was found in a raid at a property in Meon Crescent in Chandler's Ford.

In Test Valley, 13 arrests were made, eight weapons were seized - including two zombie knive - class A and class B drugs were found and more than £3,000 in cash was seized.

Across the county, a total of 25g of heroin, 151.5g of crack, 40g of cocaine, 1,470g of cannabis, 30g of amphetamine, and 21g of spice were seized.

Police also seized £25,595 in cash, 136 mobile phones, 11 deal phones, five firearms, 28 knives, one axe, three bats, knuckledusters, and hammers.

 

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The force disrupted more than 18 county line networks with 154 stop checks made, officers made 93 arrests, and 44 vulnerable people were safeguarded.

County lines see gangs using mobile phones to deal from large cities to towns and rural areas in the UK. 

Line holders and runners, often young, vulnerable children, deliver the drugs.

The organised criminal gangs are often linked to human trafficking, modern slavery, child exploitation, serious violence, and the possession and use of weapons.

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Chief Inspector Marcus Kennedy said: “County lines can have a significant impact on violence and crimes associated in our communities.

“Targeting these drugs networks is a priority for Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary, and intensification weeks allows targeted resources across Hampshire, the Isle of Wight and the country to tackle every aspect of these abhorrent organised criminal gangs. 

“Last week, we undertook a week of action, executing warrants at key properties known for drug dealing, targeting transport networks used by county lines gangs, safeguarded victims, making significant arrests and removing a considerable amount of illegal drugs from the streets.

“This week of activity was not only about focusing on criminal gangs who prey on the vulnerable but also about supporting and protecting those who become victims of exploitation. 

"We all have a responsibility to look for the signs of exploitation. This could be a child with new clothing, an expensive phone or unexplained cash. They may have a change in behaviour or are suddenly going missing.

“The public have been instrumental in supporting our operation around County Lines. Their information and engagement has assisted in making key arrests, making your communities safe."