HAMPSHIRE police has been sharing its tactics with an African crime-busting team to fight against serious organised crime

Officers trained the Nigerian National Drug Law Enforcement Agency in intercepting and boarding vessels, the use of technical equipment, and establishing a more robust team structure.

The team was spotted in Hamble and also speeding alongside the Hythe Ferry.

Daily Echo: Nigerian drug enforcement officers with Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary's Marine Support UnitNigerian drug enforcement officers with Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary's Marine Support Unit (Image: Hampshire Constabulary)

Police Constable Ben Popham, of the Marine Support Unit, said: "It was a brilliant couple of weeks working with the NDLEA officers, sharing our tactics to help them in their fight against serious organised crime.

"These criminal networks often find their way into the UK, so working with officers who are tackling the source of these networks can only benefit the UK also."

Daily Echo: Nigerian drug enforcement officers with Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary's Marine Support UnitNigerian drug enforcement officers with Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary's Marine Support Unit (Image: Hampshire Constabulary)

Superintendent Adrian Hall, of the Joint Operations Unit, said: "I’m pleased our specialist Marine Support Unit officers were able to share their vast experience and skill with our overseas colleagues in law enforcement.

"The value of such a bespoke training package to these officers cannot be understated. It will be of tremendous assistance to them in their fight against serious organised crime."

Daily Echo: Nigerian drug enforcement officers with Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary's Marine Support UnitNigerian drug enforcement officers with Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary's Marine Support Unit (Image: Hampshire Constabulary)

Deputy Director Nick Fowler, from Home Office International Operations, added: "We are deeply grateful to the Marine Support Unit of Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary for sharing their expertise with our Nigerian colleagues from the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency.

"Supporting our operational counterparts globally through experience exchange via initiatives such as this is a key element of breaking transnational criminal value chains that impact communities across the world and reducing the supply of dangerous drugs to the UK."