A SHOTGUN, cash and drugs were seized as eight people were arrested in an operation to disrupt the supply of Class A drugs in Basingstoke.

A total of five warrants were carried out at addresses in Brighton Hill, Kings Furlong, Rooksdown and Winklebury on Tuesday (March 14).

Officers also stopped a number of vehicles believed to be used in the supply of Class A drugs. Three vehicles were seized. 

Across the day a number of arrests were made for various offences:

  • A 29-year-old man from Basingstoke was arrested on suspicion of possession of a firearm and possession of Class A drugs. He is currently in police custody.
  • A 21-year-old woman from Basingstoke was arrested on suspicion of possessing Class A drugs with intent to supply. She has been released on bail until May 8, pending further enquiries.
  • A 23-year-old man from Basingstoke was arrested on suspicion of possessing Class A drugs with intent to supply. He has been released on bail until 8 May, pending further enquiries.
  • A 23-year-old man from London was arrested on suspicion of possessing Class A drugs with intent to supply. He has been released on bail until 28 April, pending further enquiries.
  • Jordan Venus, 21, of Princes Crescent, Basingstoke, has been charged with driving whilst disqualified, possession of a controlled drug of Class B and driving without insurance. He is due to appear at Basingstoke Magistrates’ Court on 28 March.
  • A 20-year-old woman from London was arrested on suspicion of being involved in the supply of Class A drugs. She has been released on bail until 10 May.
  • A 49-year-old woman from Basingstoke was arrested on suspicion of being involved in the supply of Class A drugs. She has been bailed until 10 May.
  • A 20-year-old man from London was arrested on suspicion of being involved in the supply of Class A drugs and possession of criminal property. He has been released on police bail until 10 May.

The operation was led by officers from Basingstoke Safer Neighbourhood Team as part of Operation Fortress, Hampshire Constabulary’s campaign to reduce the harm of drug-related violence. One of the aims is to restrict the supply of Class A drugs.

Sergeant Carl Holmes said: “The message is clear – we will work tirelessly to identify and dismantle drugs networks.

“Class A drugs can do tremendous harm to the people whose lives are blighted by addiction. We will not tolerate drug-dealing in Basingstoke and will do all we can to disrupt it.”

If you have concerns around drug-related activity where you live, then call police on 101. Dial 999 in an emergency.

If you do not want to speak to police directly, you can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, where information can be left anonymously.