Southampton Man Locked Up for Peddling £51K of Class A Drugs
Mohammed Artan, 36, from Golden Grove, Southampton, has been sentenced to three years and four months in jail after pleading guilty to possession with intent to supply heroin, crack cocaine, and cocaine. Police will also destroy all drugs and paraphernalia seized during his arrest.
County Lines Crackdown Nets Major Drug Haul
The bust was part of County Lines Intensification Week, a nationwide operation targeting county lines drug dealers. On 11 March, Southampton’s High Harm Team stormed a property in Centenary Plaza at 8.15am, forcing entry to stop suspects from flushing evidence.
Artan was at the scene when officers searched the property. A ceiling tile near the front door concealed a huge bag of white powder. Inside the ceiling cavity, officers found digital scales, cling film, and other suspected Class A substances. Tests confirmed the haul included cocaine and crack cocaine worth £22,700 and heroin valued at £28,700—a total street value of £51,400. A cutting agent used to bulk up drugs was also found.
Police Warn of the Devastating Impact of Class A Drugs
“Drugs, especially Class A drugs, cause massive harm to our community,” said DC Andrew Ferguson, lead officer on the case. “Not only do they destroy lives, but their supply fuels organised crime, serious violence, firearms possession, and the exploitation of vulnerable adults and children.”
“Artan was just one link in the supply chain, but now that link has been broken,” Ferguson added. “Operations like County Lines Intensification Week highlight the ongoing work by our High Harm Team to disrupt drug dealing across the city.”
Police Call on Public to Help Stamp Out Drug Dealing
Ferguson urged the public to report any drug dealings in their neighbourhood to aid further arrests. You can tip off police by calling 101, visiting their website, or contacting Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
With offenders like Artan behind bars, Hampshire and the Isle of Wight hope to become safer places to live.
