POLICE have carried out a series of drugs raids on addresses across Hampshire.

Specialist officers from Hampshire Constabulary's Operation Fortress team took part in a joint operation with officers from the South East Regional Organised Crime Unit (SEROCU) to disrupt and reduce the supply of drugs in the area.

The Daily Echo understands one of the premises searched was the Charcoal Grill take away in Rumbridge Street, Totton.

As reported, officers with sniffer dogs swooped yesterday evening and carried out a thorough search of the restaurant and the rooms upstairs.

Investigators could be seen talking to staff inside the restaurant and searching the surrounding grounds.

Shocked witnesses said they saw unmarked police cars and vans race to the building and between 20 and 30 officers descended onto the restaurant.

Warrants were also carried out at commercial and residential addresses at four locations in Southampton, along with addresses in Sarisbury Green and Fareham.

A cannabis factory was discovered at an address on Crableck Lane, Sarisbury Green, and around 100 cannabis plants were seized.

A 35-year-old man from Sarisbury Green and a 34-year-old man from Hedge End were both arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the production of cannabis.

They have been bailed until October 20, pending further enquiries.

Documentation was seized from other addresses as part of the ongoing investigation, but no other arrests were made.

Police confirmed there was a significant presence of officers at each location but there is no threat to the public in relation to this operation.

Senior investigating officer Detective Inspector Mark Chapman, of SEROCU, said: “These warrants focussed on the disruption of organised crime groups.

“We are working with Hampshire Constabulary's Operation Fortress team to target those who profit from drugs supply offences and those who launder money through businesses in an attempt to legitimise their profits.

“These offences ultimately result in lives being made a misery and these warrants send out a message that if you commit these offences we will deal with you robustly, pursue you, and bring you to task for them.”