POLICE have a shut down a cannabis farm and arrested three men as part of a major drugs crackdown across Southampton.

It comes after specialist officers carried out a number of simultaneous drugs raids across the city.

Homes were also targeted in nearby Netley Abbey.

Police say in one of the properties, 16 cannabis plants which were discovered in a small cannabis farm.

Officers also seized £22,000 cash and a device used in the production of cocaine.

Two men aged 28-years-old and a man aged 27-years old, all from Southampton, were arrested on suspicion of drugs offences.

The raids were carried out on Tuesday by officers from the South East Regional Organised Crime Unit (SEROCU).

Detective Inspector Rob Bryant from SEROCU, said: “As part of our ongoing work to tackle drug-related crime in Southampton, we have arrested a number of people suspected in being involved in the drugs trade.

“Tackling the supply of drugs is a key priority for SEROCU across the south east and we continue to work tirelessly using our specialist resources to target those involved.

“I would urge anyone who thinks they may have information on potential drug dealing, regardless of the location, to contact police by calling 101.”

The raids were carried out as part of a dedicated operation aimed at tackling drug dealing in Southampton.

Following a series of warrants simultaneously executed across the city, officers targeted a number of addresses in Tatwin Crescent and Nettlestone in Netley Abbey, as well as Dean Road and Whitebeam Road in Southampton.

Alongside the cannabis farm, police also seized 0.5 kilos of herbal cannabis, a small quantity of cocaine and 26 digital devices.

Three men were arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to supply cocaine, conspiracy to control cannabis, money laundering and importation of a controlled drug of class B.

The men were released on bail until 29 October.