50 Arrested and £50K in Drugs Seized by New Portsmouth Crime Busters
Portsmouth’s fresh-faced Drugs-Related Harm Team is already shaking up the city’s drug scene. In just two months, they’ve made over 50 arrests and ripped apart supply chains, sending a clear message: Portsmouth is no place for dealers.
Massive Haul: Drugs, Cash, and Weapons Off the Streets
- 50 arrests mostly targeting out-of-town drug dealers
- £30,000 worth of Class A drugs seized
- £15,000 in cash confiscated
- Cannabis production ring completely smashed
- Knives, asps, knuckledusters, and even imitation firearms removed
The team isn’t just chasing dealers—they’re fiercely protecting vulnerable locals. London-based drug gangs have been kicked out from the homes of local youngsters and at-risk adults. Eight children and two people with mental health issues are now safe from exploitation.
Detective Linda Howard Speaks Out
“The drugs related harm team was put together to tackle drug networks causing the most harm to our local communities. Within the first two months we’ve disrupted numerous gang-linked criminals from London. Portsmouth is a hostile place to deal drugs,” said Detective Inspector Linda Howard.
She urged drug users trapped in exploitation to reach out for help. “We want to support and safeguard people being used by these gangs.”
Support for Those Battling Addiction
The police work closely with local partners to assist those wanting to turn their lives around. If you’re ready for change, call the Recovery Hub on 023 92 294 573 or email [email protected] for drug and alcohol support in Portsmouth.
Help on offer includes:
- One-to-one advice and recovery planning
- Counselling and group therapy
- Opiate substitute prescribing and detox
- Community rehab and psychosocial services
- Sports, physical activities, and volunteering
- Harm minimisation, including needle exchange
Chief Inspector Jim Pegler’s Warning to Dealers
“We will keep targeting drug dealers and the violence they bring. Those smuggling crack cocaine and heroin into Portsmouth should know they’re constantly at risk of being caught,” said Chief Inspector Jim Pegler.
He highlighted the exploitation of vulnerable people and children by gangs who use their homes or force them into drug running. “We are relentless. We will dismantle the networks causing the most harm and protect our communities.”
Spot the Signs: Help Police Fight Drug Crime
Police urge residents to report suspicious activity, such as:
- Sudden increase in short-term visitors to a house or flat
- Quick, secretive exchanges between small groups near homes
- Residents frequently leaving and returning multiple times a day
- Loiterers constantly using mobile phones
- Unfamiliar or flashy cars parked outside homes
Portsmouth’s streets are cleaning up fast—and the message is clear: drug dealers aren’t welcome here.
