Massive Police Drug Raids in Gosport and Portsmouth Lead to Ten Arrests
Hampshire police have smashed drug supply chains with a sweeping crackdown across Gosport, Fareham, and Portsmouth. Ten people are behind bars after 13 addresses in Gosport and four in Portsmouth were raided in a high-spirited bid to stamp out illegal drug dealing.
Major Drug Bust Targets Organised Crime
The raids, led by the Serious and Organised Crime Unit, struck hard at suspected organised crime gangs believed to be flooding Gosport with Class A drugs, mainly cocaine. Searches took place on December 13, hitting homes tied to dealers linked across the UK.
- Thirteen Gosport properties and four Portsmouth homes searched
- Suspected cocaine seized with an estimated street value of £2,300
- £700 cash confiscated during the operation
- Ten arrests including nine for drug offences; all bailed pending inquiries
Neighbourhood Policing Teams stepped in to provide reassurance to rattled locals affected by the crackdown.
Police Chiefs Issue Stark Warnings to Dealers
Chief Inspector Jim Pegler of Portsmouth vowed to stamp out drug crime: “These warrants follow days of targeted patrols and underline our commitment to keeping communities safe. Drug-related violence won’t be tolerated — we will find and stop those involved.”
In Gosport, Chief Inspector Sharon Woolrich hailed the raids as “a fantastic result.” She added: “We’re relentless in disrupting dealers and their networks to protect vulnerable people and children from harm. Crack cocaine and heroin devastate lives, and we’ll continue working with partners to provide support for addiction and reduce demand.”
Operation Fortress: The Battle Against Drug-Related Violence
This crackdown is part of Operation Fortress, Hampshire Constabulary’s campaign focused on slashing the availability of Class A drugs and curbing drug-related violence in communities.
Police urge residents to stay vigilant for suspicious signs like:
- Many short visits to a property
- Quick exchanges near houses or flats
- Constant comings and goings from a property
- People loitering and using phones frequently
- Unfamiliar or flashy cars parked outside a home
Concerned? Contact police on 101, or dial 999 if a crime is in progress. You can also report anonymously to Operation Fortress at [email protected] or Crimestoppers on 0800 500 111.
