A massive drugs bust by Hampshire police has resulted in 29 arrests in Basingstoke and Rushmoor.
And police have warned they will be carrying out similar operations during the weeks and months ahead as part of a continued crackdown in the borough. Operation Ridings was executed between Wednesday, March 17 and Friday, March 19 involving more than 80 police officers from the specialist departments of Hampshire Constabulary.
As well as the arrests, for a variety of offences, 64 people were searched and 24 vehicles seized. It is hoped the operation will send out a message to drug dealers, according to Basingstoke and Deane District Commander, Chief Inspector Andy Bottomley, who warned them to think again before coming to the town.
He said: “We have had massive success with the disruption of the sale and supply of drugs in north east Hampshire over the past months and this is part of our continuing hard work to tackle drugs, drug supply and violent crime. It is part of our ongoing commitment to carry out robust action against any drug dealers and their suppliers who may be coming into the area to commit crime. We are showing them that this is an area where they can expect to be pursued, located and arrested if they do come here to supply drugs.”
For more information about policing in the area visit www.hampshire.police.uk
