15 Nabbed in Major Portsmouth Drugs Crackdown
Portsmouth police teamed up with council officials, UK Border Force, MOD police, Hampshire Constabulary, and Thames Valley Joint Operations Unit last week for a city-wide blitz on drug crime. Over two days of raids and patrols on December 1 and 2, authorities arrested 15 suspects linked to drug dealing and other offences.
City-Wide Raids Smash Drug Networks
The operation targeted drug supply across Portsmouth and surrounding areas. Among those arrested:
- A 17-year-old boy, suspected of conspiring to supply Class A drugs and money laundering, bailed until February 2, 2017.
- Abdul-Hakim Hubahimfura, 22, caught carrying a knife in Southsea, bailed until December 20.
- David Boam, 49, charged with shop theft and abusive behaviour.
- A 17-year-old linked to burglary and theft offences, bailed until January 5, 2017.
- A 31-year-old man suspected of driving under the influence of drugs.
- A 39-year-old facing multiple charges of making off without payment.
Some arrests were for failing to appear in court warrants, including Bogdan Duda and Lee Verinder, both appearing in court in early December.
More Arrests From Earlier Warrants
Earlier drug raids on November 29 also led to significant arrests:
- A 16-year-old boy accused of possessing criminal property and conspiring to supply Class A drugs, bailed until February 21, 2017.
- A 47-year-old man arrested on suspicion of offering to supply cocaine, bailed until February 21.
- A 50-year-old man charged with possession with intent to supply Class A drugs, bailed until February 7.
- Robert Gray, 35, charged with assault and criminal damage, appeared at court on November 30.
‘Relentless’ Police Crackdown on Drug Dealers
“We will continue to disrupt drug dealers’ activities and reduce the demand for drugs in Portsmouth,” said Chief Inspector Jim Pegler. “We are determined that those who bring drugs into the city feel the constant risk of being stopped, arrested, and shut down.”
He warned about the destructive effects of crack cocaine and heroin on vulnerable communities and confirmed the police’s ongoing commitment to dismantle harmful networks.
How You Can Help Fight Drug Crime
Operation Fortress is an ongoing campaign to curb drug-related violence and restrict Class A drug supply. Police urge residents to watch for:
- Sudden spikes in visitors to a flat or house with quick visits
- Short meetings between small groups outside properties
- Frequent comings and goings from residences
- People loitering, often on phones
- Unfamiliar cars, especially hire vehicles, parked near a property
If you spot suspicious activity, call 101 or dial 999 if a crime is happening now. You can also email [email protected] confidentially. Prefer to stay anonymous? Contact Crimestoppers on 0800 500 111.
