Officers have made 25 arrests and seized 330g of cocaine from Southampton’s streets as part of a national week of intensification to tackle drug supply.

Throughout last week, Hampshire police made 25 arrests, seized 330g of Class A drugs – namely cocaine/crack cocaine – and 1,935g of Class B drugs.

Police also seized 12 weapons in the city and £9,860 in cash.

Officers across Hampshire have been targeting those individuals responsible for supplying drugs in the region’s communities through County Lines.

County Lines means to deal drugs using mobile phones, usually from large cities to towns and rural areas in the UK.

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Line holders will use runners, often young and vulnerable children, to deliver the drugs. It’s linked to some of the most serious and violent crimes such as human trafficking, modern slavery, and child exploitation.

Chief Inspector Marcus Kennedy, drug related crime and harm tactical lead for Hampshire Constabulary, said: “We are not naïve to the fact that there are County Lines operating within our local communities across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight and the challenges this brings around further tackling the exploitation of vulnerable, often young, people. 

“The associated violence, which often comes part and parcel with organised County Lines, blights our communities and we are doing our utmost to successfully disrupt those main drug supply lines and bring those responsible to justice via the courts. 

“We will not stand for it in our local cities, towns and villages.”

As part of the week of action, officers arrested 12 young people for drug-related offences in Hampshire – these have since been appropriately safeguarded against future threat and harm, confirmed Hampshire police.

The Chief Inspector added: “This week alone we have dismantled a number of high-profile drug supply networks that have been operating in and out of Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.

“Beyond this week, we want to send out a stark reminder to those seeking to exploit people to deal drugs for them within Hampshire and the Isle of Wight that this is a hostile place for you to be attempting to operate in and that the misery and associated violence you bring with you is not welcome on our streets.”