Three arrested in Andover as police crackdown on drug-related crimes

The newly formed Northern Neighbourhood Enforcement Team (NET) has hit the ground running this month with a busy few days of targeted community operations. 

The newly formed NET comprises of two teams, with one based out of Basingstoke covering Basingstoke and Hart and Rushmoor, and the other working from Winchester covering the Winchester and Test Valley districts. Each NET is made up of one police sergeant and five police officers.

On Wednesday, September 6, the team based out of Winchester worked closely with colleagues in the Priority Crime Team in Andover to successfully disrupt drug activity with a positive stop search in Lawrence Close, Andover.

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A 29-year-old man, of no fixed abode, and a 21-year-old man, from Kingston-Upon-Thames, were arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of a Class A drug, and using criminal property. They have been released from custody but remain under investigation.

On Thursday, September 7 officers were called to an address on Weyhill Road after a concern for welfare call in relation to an ongoing drugs investigation, a 17-year-old boy from London was arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs and possession of an offensive weapon. He has been released on bail as enquiries continue.

Detective Inspector Alex Hall, of the northern enforcement team, said: “The aim of the team is to be a high visibility proactive unit set up for highly targeted proactive policing, maximum crime disruption, and providing maximum impact and community reassurance.

“All of this work underpins our commitment to make Hampshire and the Isle of Wight safer for everyone.

“This has been a busy first couple of weeks and there is more to come as we keep up the momentum to tackle problems in your area.”

The Winchester team also arrested a 41-year-old man from Winchester on the same day in connection with a burglary from Marks & Spencer, Winchester High Street, on September 2. He has been released on police bail.

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On Monday, September 18 just after 9am, officers executed a warrant at an address in Coleman Close in Basingstoke and found around 100 cannabis plants in various stages of growth.

A 21-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of producing a controlled drug of Class B. He remains in custody and enquiries are ongoing.

On Friday, September 8, officers from the Basingstoke NET disrupted another cannabis factory on The Mews, Bramley.

A 46-year-old man, from Bramley, was arrested on suspicion of producing a controlled drug of Class B and possession of a controlled drug of Class B. He was given a conditional caution.

On Tuesday, September 12 officers located and seized a stolen vehicle in Yateley. Officers found weapons inside the car and a suspect has been identified.

Other members of NET were targeting local hotspots in Winchester known for drug dealing and anti-social behaviour, completing three stop searches and carrying out other reassurance activities in the area.

The teams have also been involved in targeted patrols in Fleet following reports of theft from motor vehicles, disrupting car meets in Basingstoke and supporting with stop/search operations across the districts.