A WEEK of cracking down on drugs in Andover has resulted in cannabis, heroin and cocaine worth more than £5,000 being found.

The Andover Safer Neighbourhoods team executed three warrants, arrested five people and spoke to more than 300 schoolchildren as part of Operation Fortress in the town, from Monday, 24 March.

Warrants were executed at addresses in Camelot Close, Genoa Court and Woodcutters Court on Tuesday, 25 March, and Thursday, 27 March, with about £1,000 worth of cannabis, £3,500 of heroin and £600 of cocaine being seized during the searches.

A 35-year-old woman, from Andover, was arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply class B drugs and was bailed pending further inquiries until 17 June.

A 14-year-old boy from Andover was arrested on suspicion of possession of a controlled class A drug and was bailed pending further inquiries until 17 June.

Two 21-year-old men from Andover were arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of a class B drug and have been bailed pending further inquiries until 21 May.

And a 16-year-old boy, from London, has been charged with possession with intent to supply a class A drug. He appeared at Basingstoke Magistrates’ Court on Saturday, 29 March.

The team also carried out more than 50 stop searches during the week and issued seven cannabis street warnings.

Numerous people were referred to support services during the week to try to help them escape alcohol and drug misuse.

Officers also visited local schools and colleges to talk to them about the dangers of drugs and how to spot if their friends or family are in need of help.

Sergeant John Smith, from the Andover Safer Neighbourhoods team, said: “Operation Fortress is a campaign with police and other agencies to find long-term solutions to restricting the supply of drugs, reducing demand and rebuilding communities.

“We are keen to hear from anyone who is concerned about illegal drugs or drug-related crime in their neighbourhood.

“The support we receive from local people is vital in helping us make our communities safer and every piece of information is greatly appreciated.”

Sgt Smith said that things to look out for are: l A sudden increase in visitors to a house or flat and people only staying for a very short time l Short exchanges between small groups of people at or close to a flat or house l Residents leaving a flat or house on numerous occasions throughout the day and returning a short time later l People loitering in an area and using their mobile phones frequently l New-looking or hire cars parked outside a house or flat that wouldn’t normally be there, and being driven by somebody that you wouldn’t normally associate with driving that style of car.

Anyone with any concerns should call police on 101 or 999 if a crime is in progress.

Alternatively email in confidence operation.fortress@ hampshire.

pnn.police.uk or call the anonymous Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.