POLICE have carried out further arrests after raiding homes across Hampshire in a crackdown against drug dealers.

Officers have arrested 19 people across the county including a 32-year-old man from Southampton after early morning raids in Hampshire, Surrey and London.

Homes were targeted from 6am this morning after a year-long operation to stop the illegal supply of heroine and crack cocaine.

Police first arrested 15 people who are all being held in police stations around the region, and further arrests are expected to be made.

Superintendent Barry Talbot, deputy commander for the North and East Hampshire Operational Command Unit, said: "The impact of drug taking is far reaching. Violence is used by dealers in response to debt and during disputes, illegal supply can lead those who are dependent on drugs to commit low level crime to fund their craving.

"Young people can also be drawn into crime through taking drugs.

"The execution of these search warrants is directed at disrupting the drugs supply network and drugs-related activity in the area by removing drugs at their source.

"Today's operation is a collaborative police effort, operating across police boundaries in pursuit of suspected drugs suppliers. We know criminals will come from other areas of the country into Hampshire and we continue to work closely with neighbouring forces to target those who commit crime in our area.

"The police operation is continuing and further arrests are anticipated in connection with this enquiry. There is still more work to be done to ensure that the area remains a difficult place for violent drug dealers to do their business.

"Our commitment to our communities is that we will continue to target people dealing drugs; on the street and in their homes. The message to dealers is clear - you are not welcome in Hampshire.

"We also need help. We need residents to report suspicious activity and suspected drug dealing in their community, either by calling us directly or by using the anonymous Crimestoppers number on 0800 555 111."

Those that were arrested include:

  • A 27-year-old woman from Farnborough
  • A 24-year-old man from Ealing
  • A 32-year-old man from Southampton
  • A 23-year-old man from Aldershot
  • A 34-year-old woman from Camberley
  • A 27-year-old man from Farnborough
  • A 17-year-old boy from Camberley
  • A 40-year-old man from Camberley
  • A 29-year-old man from Camberley
  • A 41-year-old man from Fleet
  • A 44-year-old man from Farnborough
  • A 58-year-old woman from Camberley
  • A 44-year-old man from London
  • A 28-year-old man from London
  • A 33-year-old man from London
  • A 41-year-old man from Camberley
  • A 38-year-old man from Farnborough
  • A 25-year-old woman from Farnborough
  • A 32-year-old woman from Fleet