POLICE investigating county lines drug dealing in Winchester have arrested a man.

A man, aged 21, was detained early this morning in Streatham, south London, by officers and is currently at a Hampshire police station.

Warrants were executed by officers from the Metropolitan Police’s Specialist Crime department, Operation Orochi, supported by Operation Monument officers from Hampshire.

The has been arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of cocaine and heroin.

PC Samuel Addy, from Metropolitan Police's Operation Orochi, said: “This arrest is part of a proactive and detailed investigation into the running of a county lines from London to Winchester. We know about the inexplicable link between drugs and violence in London, and that’s why we continue to crack down and put those involved behind bars.

“We would like to thank Hampshire police for their support. Joint operations like this one, between the Met and other forces, are vital to dismantling county lines and show the combined effort being made to take drugs off the streets.”

Det Sgt, Liam Cook from Op Monument in Hampshire Constabulary, said: “We’ve developed a strong joint investigations team with our colleagues in the Met Police, we understand the drivers of County Lines and how those orchestrating it operate and we will disrupt and pursue those line holders running these county lines in our regions. It is an abhorrent crime which causes misery for our local communities.

"Today’s warrant will have caused disruption into the supply of drugs into Winchester and the surrounding areas. We seek to protect the most vulnerable from high harm and support services are available to those affected.”