EIGHT men have been charged with drug offences in Southampton.

The charges come after Hampshire Constabulary issued nine warrants as part of Operation Fortress.

The warrants were issued in Southampton and London and saw eight men arrested and charged for drug crime.

Operation Fortress is the constabulary’s partnership approach to shielding communities from drug-related harm.

Six warrants were executed in Southampton on Tuesday and three were executed in London.

Police in Southampton carried out the operation in collaboration with the South East Regional Organised Crime Unit (SEROCU), The National Crime Agency (NCA) and the Metropolitan Police Service.

Jason Thompson, 34, Howell Close, Southampton has been charged with supplying crack cocaine and heroin and remanded in custody.

Thomas Hennessey, 31, of no fixed abode, has been charged with supplying crack cocaine and heroin and remanded in custody.

George Donnachie, 55, Jubilee Court, Southampton has been charged with supplying crack cocaine and heroin and charged with possession with intent to supply crack cocaine and possession with intent to supply heroin and remanded in custody.

Faisal Kilas, 26, The Square, Peabody Estate, London has been charged with conspiracy to supply crack cocaine and heroin and remanded in custody.

Mohamoud Ahmed, 20, Burlington Place, London has been charged with conspiracy to supply crack cocaine and heroin and remanded in custody.

Kashim Abdul, 31, Freshwater Road, London has been charged with conspiracy to supply crack cocaine and heroin and remanded in custody.

Tadzingwa Gambiza, 24, Bloomhill Road, London, has been charged with conspiracy to supply crack cocaine and heroin and remanded in custody.

All men will appear at Southampton Crown Court on June 24.

Mark Mansell, 42, Burgess Road, Southampton has been charged the supply of crack cocaine and heroin. He will appear at Southampton Magistrates Court on June 13.

A 31-year-old man from Southampton was also arrested on conspiracy to supply crack cocaine and heroin has been bailed pending further enquiries until August 2.

Anyone who is concerned about drug-related activity in Southampton or has been vulnerable to crime through drug use can speak to police in confidence on 101 or by emailing operation.fortress@hampshire.pnn.police.uk.