Isle of Wight Targeted in Major County Lines Drug Blitz
Hampshire police have cracked down hard on County Lines drug gangs, seizing over £28,000 worth of drugs and arresting 35 suspects in just one week. Officers also recovered more than £12,000 in cash during a nationwide operation aimed at wiping out urban crime networks spreading their poison into smaller towns and rural areas – including the Isle of Wight.
Smashing County Lines: Operation Fortress in Action
Starting Monday 21 January, Hampshire Constabulary joined forces with national partners, led by the National Crime Agency, in a week-long blitz on drug dealing hotspots. The campaign included raids, stop-and-searches, safeguarding visits, and education drives in local schools to warn youngsters about the dangers of County Lines.
Special teams from the South East Regional Organised Crime Unit and British Transport Police teamed up with Hampshire cops to disrupt dealers. Drugs-sniffing dogs were deployed at Isle of Wight ferry terminals, checking passengers travelling between the island and the mainland—cutting off a key supply route.
What is County Lines?
County Lines is how ruthless urban gangs expand their drug trade beyond big cities. They use dedicated phone lines to manage dealers far from home and guard these lines fiercely with violence and intimidation. Vulnerable young people from all backgrounds are groomed to transport and sell drugs – trapped in a brutal world of crime.
Strong Words From the Top
“This week of action has been hugely successful,” said Superintendent Matthew Reeves, who led the operation. “County Lines presents the greatest threat to our communities, and this is work we continue as everyday business.”
“It’s not just big cities — Hampshire and the Isle of Wight face this problem head-on. Not only vulnerable young people get trapped; youngsters from all walks of life are targeted.”
“This criminality needs a joint approach with communities. If you’re worried someone is involved, get in touch with us or our partners. We’re working with education, social care, transport, and charities to fight back together.”
Detective Chief Inspector Paul Southey of the South East Regional Organised Crime Unit added: “We’re zero-tolerant on County Lines drug supply in the south east. We’re targeting the worst offenders and bringing them to justice. These gangs exploit the vulnerable and wreck communities, but we won’t let them win.”
Hampshire & Isle of Wight: A Drug-Free Future
As part of Operation Fortress, Hampshire Constabulary and partners remain determined to make the region hostile to drug dealers — rooting out criminals while supporting those at risk. The message is clear: County Lines will not go unchallenged here.
