Officers carried out warrants today (Wednesday 11 April) as part of an investigation into the potential exploitation of children for the purposes of drug supply
Hampshire Constabulary’s Missing and Exploited Team, with support from the Test Valley Safer Neighbourhoods Team, executed warrants at addresses Genoa Court, Corunna Main and Harvey Place.
Officers made three arrests and seized a quantity of suspected Class A and Class B drugs.
Those arrested were:
- a 36-year-old man from Andover, arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of crack cocaine
- an 18-year-old man from Andover, arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of a Class A drug
- a 40-year-old woman from Andover, arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of a Class A drug.
The three people arrested are currently in police custody.
The exploitation of children is a force priority and officers work with partners to keep young people in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight safer.
The Missing and Exploited Team seeks to safeguard young people believed to be at risk of exploitation, target perpetrators and manage missing people.
Detective Inspector Ross Toms said “Operations like the one today are only possible by working with communities and our partners. We can take action but we need information to build up a picture of what is happening and identify the risks to young people.
“I would encourage all parents, teachers, and others who work with young people to be aware of the signs a child could be being exploited and contact us and one of our partners.”
To contact the police, call 101, or 999 if a crime is in progress. For more advice on the signs of exploitation, visit https://www.safe4me.co.uk/
