THREE MEN have appeared in court charged with drug offences after police raid on a Hampshire estate.

Kelvin Elliott, 38, of Kent Street, Southampton, 46-year-old Clive Bratcher, of Sulivan Road, Southampton and Anis Aden, 23, from Birmingham appeared at Southampton Magistrates Court charged with possession with intent to supply class A drugs.

It comes after more than 50 police officers established a “ring of steel” around the Northam estate, in Southampton, in a bid to disrupt the use and supply of drugs in the area.

Southampton District Chief Inspector Charlie Rimmer said: “Obviously there were initial concerns from residents about the large number of officers and vehicles arriving on the estate. However we have had some really positive feedback from residents we have spoken to who are really keen to help us.”

“I would like to reiterate our message that we will not tolerate drug related activity, we would encourage anyone with information about the use or supply of drugs in their neighbourhood to contact us on 101.”

The trio will be remanded in custody until June 20.

Two others arrested on suspicion of drug offences, a 46-year-old woman and a 48-year-old man, have been bailed until August 4.