Southampton the focus for major crackdown on drug related crime

‘Rat on a Rat’ is the message from Southampton’s Safer City Partnership as a  major drugs operation got underway in the city towards the end of 2005.  Called Operation Phoenix It started on Thursday October 20^th and is believed to be one of the largest anti-drugs operations of its kind in the UK. Almost 50 simultaneous raids were carried out by police.

It was no 'one day wonder' though as it is an operation with long term aims. Fronted by the police, the multi-agency project has the backing of Southampton City Council and all the members of the Safer City Partnership.

It was an early morning call on the Thursday for those that police suspected to be involved in drug related crime. A year of work turning intelligence into evidence led to the raids. Forty of those were in the city and the rest in Birmingham and London. More than 600 police officers and staff were involved and many continue to be so.

Before the day was out 41 people were arrested with many ending up charged with a variety of offences. Most have either been bailed or remanded in custody to await a full trial or further hearing.

Officers involved in the raids hauled in a large quantity of suspected drugs and stolen property and cash.

The Operation isn’t just aimed at drug dealers but all the associated crime as often those who are part of the drug scene are involved in other crime. For addicts they often have to steal to fund their habit so phoenix will look also at burglary, handling stolen goods, theft from vehicles, street robbery and shoplifting.

“This operation is fundamentally aimed at taking out a criminal network of stolen property and drugs, and ensuring that no other criminals are able to come in and fill the void left by those taken out of circulation,” said Chief Superintendent Paul Stickler.

“It’s certainly had an effect, not only did it lead to lots of arrests but it severely disrupted the supply of illegal drugs into the city.”

“None of us want that filled again so for the operation to be successful long-term we need your help.

“We need every community in Southampton to get involved. It is only together we can tackle drug related crime long-term. You can be assured the Safer City Partnership and the police will be doing their bit by carrying on the direct action against criminals and trying to prevent further crime.”

If you have information about drug related crime call Crimestoppers anoymously on 0800 555 111