FIVE people have been arrested after police raids targeting the supply of the Class B drug mephedrone.

The raids took place last Friday at four houses in Chivers Close, South Ham, Normanton Road, Oakridge, Regent Court, South View, and Southlands, Chineham.

Three men, aged 49, 24 and 38, and two women, aged 18 and 32, all from Basingstoke, were arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of a Class B drug.

They have all been bailed until Tuesday, February 18, pending further enquiries.

Officers seized a quantity of a drug believed to be mephedrone during the raids.

Inspector Paul Maginnis said: “I hope that this action sends out a clear message that the supply of illegal drugs will not be tolerated in our town.

“We take all complaints very seriously and will continue to work closely with our communities.”

Mephedrone, otherwise known as M-Cat or meow meow, was a “legal high” until it was banned in 2010 and is now a controlled drug of Class B.

Anyone with information about the supply of drugs in Basingstoke can contact the Safer Neighbourhoods team on 101 or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.