TWO men have been arrested as part of a pre-planned drugs operation in Basingstoke last weekend.

A number of teams, including the Basingstoke Priority Crime Team, Northern Neighbourhood Enforcement Team, the Roads Policing Unit and the Dog Unit worked together to target high-priority areas in the district.

A 41-year-old man from Basingstoke was arrested and later charged with driving a motor vehicle when his alcohol level was above the legal limit on Stratfield Road on September 22. He is due to appear at Basingstoke Magistrates Court on October 8.

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During the patrols, officers also arrested a 33-year-old man who was wanted on recall to prison.

A 34-year-old man from Basingstoke was handed a community resolution for possession of cannabis, while an e-scooter was seized on Jefferson Road.

Officers carried out 10 stop and searches, handed out four traffic tickets and gathered evidence and information for a number of intelligence logs.

Basingstoke Police Sergeant Karla Leese, from the Priority Crime Team, said: "Disrupting drug dealing and the impact it has on people in Basingstoke and Deane continues to be a priority for us.

"This pre-planned operation was a success and was a collaborative effort across a number of teams. We have further planned weeks of action to continue our relentless pursuit of drug-related crime within the district.

"Where there are drugs, there is almost always violence which is why tackling and disrupting the supply of drugs is a vital part of our work to reduce violent crime and keep people safe.

"Please continue to tell us about any suspected drugs activity in your neighbourhood so we can safeguard children and vulnerable adults and bring offenders to justice."

To make a report, you can contact us on 101 or make a report via Hampshire Constabulary's website at https://orlo.uk/2iu74

If you don’t want to report to the police directly, you can report to the charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via their website at https://orlo.uk/KE9NY