Eight Men Charged After Major Southampton Drug Raids
Eight men have been charged following a series of dramatic drug raids across Southampton and London. Police executed nine warrants yesterday as part of Operation Fortress, a crackdown aiming to protect communities from drug-related harm.
Operation Fortress Targets Drug Networks
Hampshire Constabulary teamed up with the South East Regional Organised Crime Unit (SEROCU), the National Crime Agency (NCA), and the Metropolitan Police to smash drug crime in Southampton and beyond. Six warrants were served in Southampton, with a further three in London on May 24.
Crack Cocaine and Heroin Supply Busted
The eight men arrested face serious drug charges, mainly conspiracy and supply of crack cocaine and heroin. Here are the details:
- Faisal Kilas, 26, Peabody Estate, London – conspiracy to supply crack cocaine and heroin; remanded in custody.
- Mohamoud Ahmed, 20, Burlington Place, London – conspiracy to supply crack cocaine and heroin; remanded in custody.
- Kashim Abdul, 31, Freshwater Road, London – conspiracy to supply crack cocaine and heroin; remanded in custody.
- Tadzingwa Gambiza, 24, Bloomhill Road, London – conspiracy to supply crack cocaine and heroin; remanded in custody.
- Jason Thompson, 34, Howell Close, Southampton – supplying crack cocaine and heroin; remanded in custody.
- Thomas Hennessey, 31, No Fixed Abode – supplying crack cocaine and heroin; remanded in custody.
- George Donnachie, 55, Jubilee Court, Southampton – charged with supplying crack cocaine and heroin, and possession with intent to supply both; remanded in custody.
- Mark Mansell, 42, Burgess Road, Southampton – charged with supply of crack cocaine and heroin; to appear at Southampton Magistrates Court on June 13.
All others remanded will face Southampton Crown Court on June 24.
Further Arrests and Community Warning
A 31-year-old Southampton man was also arrested for conspiracy to supply but has been bailed until August 2 as inquiries continue.
If you’re worried about drug activity in your area or have been vulnerable to crime due to drug use, contact police confidentially on 101 or email [email protected].
