7:15am Wednesday 31st October 2007
By Corey Stephenson
POLICE are today waiting on the results of tests carried out on suspected drugs seized during a series of raids in Southampton.
A large quantity of an unknown substance that was collected during the early morning raids in Millbrook is currently being analysed .
Sixty police officers were involved in the drugs swoop which targeted four houses as part of an operation focussing on the use and supply of drugs in the area.
Officers surrounded the entrance to properties in Irving Road before smashing through doors and searching the homes in Irving Road.
Two men, both aged 34 were arrested as part of the raids.
One was arrested for possession of Class A drugs, the other was arrested for possession of Class C drugs. A further male was cautioned for possession of cannabis.
Sergeant Kerry Loveless, who led the operation, said: "These raids were conducted following concern about an escalation in anti-social behaviour in the area, which is believed to have been caused by the use and supply of drugs.
"Drugs have a detrimental effect on the whole community and police in Southampton work hard to disrupt the activities of those bringing drugs into the city. The arrests show the extent of the good work taking place in planned operations such as this. However, we need more support from communities across Southampton to have a bigger impact on drugs across the city. I'd encourage anyone who has any information about drug dealing to contact us in confidence, and give us the information that we need to continue targeting those responsible and bring them to justice."
Anyone with information about drugs activities can contact their local Safer Neighbourhood team on 0845 045 4545, or via the Hampshire Constabulary Internet site on www.hampshire.police.uk.
Information can also be left anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
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