TWO people have been bailed after drugs squad officers seized a gun during a series of dramatic raids across Basingstoke.

Officers from Hampshire Constabulary’s Northern Investigation Team executed a series of drugs warrants at properties in Beggarwood, Eastrop, Popley and Winklebury.

The gun was found in a house in Ferndown Close, Beggarwood. Drugs were also found at the house and sent for analysis.

A 31-year-old man from Basingstoke was arrested for possession of a firearm following the raids.

Following a further investigation, he was also arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to supply Class A drugs and money laundering, and has been released on bail until July 20.

A 39-year-old woman was also arrested for possession of a firearm, conspiracy to supply Class A drugs and money laundering.

She has been released on bail until July 2.

The other raids took place at properties in Castle Road, Eastrop, Montserrat Road and Falkland Road, Popley, and Winklebury Court, Winklebury.

Police said they were acting on information received by members of the local community and existing investigations in relation to the supply of Class A drugs.

Speaking on Tuesday, Detective Sergeant Ron Mawejje, from the Northern Investigation Team, said the police force would continue to act on information received to demonstrate a zero tolerance approach to drugs across the town.

He said: "We will continue to investigate and take proactive action against drug-related crime within the Basingstoke area.

"Today's operation gives a clear message that we will not tolerate drug activity in the town."

Inspector Ben Taylor, from the Basingstoke Neighbourhood Policing Team, added: “We encourage anyone who has information or concerns in relation to drug misuse to continue to report these concerns to their local Neighbourhood Policing Team.”

Anyone concerned about drug-related crime can contact your Neighbourhood Policing team on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.