NINE people were arrested this morning as part of a crackdown on the supply of Class A drugs in Basingstoke.

They were arrested when early-morning raids were carried out at six houses in Popley, as well as one in Bracknell and one in Winchester.

The raids in Popley took place in houses and flats in Pitcairn Close, Ilsley Road, Milton Close, Shelley Close, Bourdillon Gardens and Marlowe Close.

Six men from Basingstoke, aged 19, 23, 23 25, 27 and 28, as well as a 19-year-old man from Winchester, were arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to supply Class A drugs.

Police said a significant amount of drugs and cash were seized.

The crackdown was part of Operation Fortress, Hampshire Constabulary's campaign to reduce the harm from drug-related violence.

For more on this story, see The Gazette tomorrow.