POLICE in Basingstoke seized more than £3,400 in cash and arrested five people during County Lines Intensification Week.

The week of intensification, which ran from Monday 3 until Sunday 9 October, saw officers focus their efforts on county lines.

They worked tirelessly to tackle the drug supply and related high harm that brings violence and misery to communities and exposes young people at risk of exploitation.

Three men, one boy and one woman were all arrested as part of the week-long operation.

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During the week, officers seized 40 wraps of crack cocaine, 61 wraps of heroin, 14.95g of cocaine and 115.95g of cannabis.

One vulnerable woman and one vulnerable man were safeguarded as a result of the operation.

Officers also charged a man from London after making an arrest in Basingstoke.

Shane Burton, 23, from Auburn Close, London, was charged with two counts of possession with intent to supply a controlled drug of class A and possession of an offensive weapon in a private place.

The charge came after attending an address in Attwood Close, Basingstoke, on Tuesday, October 4.

Burton appeared at Basingstoke Magistrates' Court on Wednesday, October 5 and was remanded into custody.

Acting Police Sergeant James Hope, from the Basingstoke High Harm Team, said: “Drugs, especially class A drugs, cause massive harm to our community. 

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“As well as the damage it can cause to the life of the person taking them, the production and supply of drugs brings with it organised crime, serious violence, possession of firearms and exploitation of vulnerable adults and children.

“I would also urge anyone with information about drug dealing in their neighbourhood to report it to us so we can carry out operations like and arrest offenders.

“We hope this operation sends a strong message to drug dealers and those involved in drug deal networks, that offences of this kind will not be tolerated in Hampshire.”

For more information on spotting the signs of exploitation visit The Children Society’s website at www.childrenssociety.org.uk

Missing People SafeCall provides a confidential service to individuals who may make contact anonymously.

This means that any individual who is unwilling or unable to speak to police or professionals can still be provided with specialist advice and guidance concerning County Lines and exploitation. The National Helpline operates 7 days a week 9am to 11pm – call or Text 116000.

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There is also Home Office funding for support to victims of County Lines over the next three years, as part of the government’s Drugs Strategy.

This funding will help to provide much-needed mental health support and counselling to the young people and their families, to help deal with the trauma of their experiences.