A 40 year-old man from the London area has been arrested by police working on Operation Phoenix – bringing the total arrested during the latest phase of the operation targeting drug dealing in Southampton to 55.

The man, who is from Sutton, was detained at an address in the Shirley area of Southampton at 2pm yesterday afternoon (Monday, November 19) on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of class A drugs and money laundering.

He is currently in custody where he will be further questioned today.

A number of people were also subject to stop checks and drugs searches across the city during a concerted police operation which formed part of the consolidation phase for Operation Phoenix.

This phase followed a massive series of raids across Southampton and London during which 54 people were arrested, with 51 charged with a variety of drug and other serious criminal offences. Three people are currently on police bail pending further inquiries.

Acting Detective Inspector Chris Chatterley said: "Our work is now focussed on rooting out drug dealers in Southampton, be they from the local area or visiting from outside specifically to deal drugs.

"The operational day last week signalled that Hampshire Constabulary doesn’t tolerate drug dealing, and Southampton police are now reinforcing the message that you’re not welcome here.

"We would like to reassure the public that we will use all means available to us to pursue and prosecute anyone coming to our community to deal."

Other police activity is planned for this week as part of this consolidation work, and further details will be released as this progresses.

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Lucy Dibdin  20/11/07