War on drugs

More than 60 officers from across Dorset were involved in the large-scale Operation Dismantle 2 to target people suspected of fuelling the town's thriving drugs industry.

The Daily Echo accompanied specially trained officers wearing personal protection equipment as they forced entry into 12 premises in north Bournemouth and Boscombe.

Using warrants issued under the Misuse of Drugs Act, police searched properties in Cunningham Crescent, Turbary Park Avenue, Verney Close, Holdenhurst Road, Ansty Close and Portchester Place.

A quantity of substances, believed to be class A drugs, were seized along with a quantity of cash and stolen property.

Nine people, five men and four women, have been arrested and are currently assisting police with their enquiries. Among the arrests were two for alleged possession of drugs with intent to supply and one under the Proceeds of Crime Act.

In a sequel to the covert Operation Rake in August, in which 20 people were arrested on suspicion of committing drugs offences, yesterday's raids were part of Dorset Police's ongoing Operation Dismantle.

Operation Dismantle is aimed at tackling drug-dealing and drug-related crime in Dorset and has involved months of intelligence gathering.

Yesterday's raids were led by Bournemouth police and co-ordinated by DI Jock Mullen.

He said: "We want to send out a message that the supply and use of drugs will not be tolerated. Bournemouth police are committed to targeting people who are engaged in the supply of class A drugs and we will continue to use all available tactics to bring them to justice."

DI Mullen has appealed to residents in Bournemouth to contact them with any information they may have about the supply of drugs in the town.

In a bid to reassure residents living in areas where the raids happened, Police Community Support Officers will be on patrol to speak with people and keep them informed.

If you have information about the supply of drugs, call Dorset Police on 01202 222222 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.