POLICE have arrested nine suspected drug dealers after morning raids in Hampshire.

Hampshire Constabulary executed six arrest warrants in Southampton and three in London as part of Operation Fortress, an ongoing campaign to crack down on drugs and drug-related violence.

Officers detained men in Portswood, Northam, Thornhill and Southampton city centre.

Southampton district commander superintendent Alison Heydari said: “Drug-related activity will not be tolerated in Southampton.

“We continue to work closely with our partners to ensure Southampton is a hostile environment for those who wish to pursue a criminal enterprise in this city.

“The role of the community in tackling drugs related activity is vital, please contact us with any information – if we don’t know about it, we can’t act on it.

“Help us to keep your community safe and protect vulnerable people from harm.”

In the raids this morning:

  • A 26-year-old man from London was arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to supply heroin and on suspicion of conspiracy to supply crack cocaine.
  • A 20-year-old man from London was arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to supply heroin and on suspicion of conspiracy to supply crack cocaine.
  • A 31-year-old man from London was arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to supply heroin and on suspicion of conspiracy to supply crack cocaine.
  • A 24-year-old man from London was arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to supply heroin and on suspicion of conspiracy to supply crack cocaine.
  • A 30-year-old man from Southampton was arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to supply heroin and on suspicion of conspiracy to supply crack cocaine.
  • A 34-year-old man from Southampton was arrested on suspicion of supplying class A drugs.
  • A 31-year-old man from Southampton was arrested on suspicion of supplying class A drugs.
  • A 42-year-old man from Southampton was arrested on suspicion of supplying class A drugs.
  • A 55-year-old man from Southampton was arrested on suspicion of supplying class A drugs.

Southampton District Commander, Superintendent Alison Heydari said: “Drug-related activity will not be tolerated in Southampton.

“We continue to work closely with our partners to ensure Southampton is a hostile environment for those who wish to pursue a criminal enterprise in this city.

“The role of the community in tackling drugs related activity is vital, please contact us with any information – if we don’t know about it, we can’t act on it. Help us to keep your community safe and protect vulnerable people from harm.”

Anyone with information can contact Hampshire Police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.