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Drugs police arrest 25 in raids Drugs police arrest 45 in raids
(about 3 hours later)
About twenty-five people have been arrested after hundreds of police raided more than 50 homes in a massive anti-drugs and stolen goods operation. Police arrested 45 people when 800 officers raided 55 homes across England in a massive crackdown on drug dealers and thieves.
About 800 officers and staff raided 37 Southampton properties, 15 in London, one in Slough, Berkshire, and one in Solihull, West Midlands, on Wednesday. Dawn raids were carried out at 38 Southampton properties, 15 in London, one in Slough, Berkshire, and one in Solihull, West Midlands, on Wednesday.
The dawn operation was the biggest ever pre-planned raid by Hampshire police. The operation was the biggest ever pre-planned raid by Hampshire police.
It follows an 18-month investigation into the supply of class A drugs, money laundering, theft and firearms crime.It follows an 18-month investigation into the supply of class A drugs, money laundering, theft and firearms crime.
The raids, carried out by Hampshire and Metropolitan police officers, are the third phase of Operation Phoenix. The raids, carried out by police officers and staff and specialist house entry teams, are the third phase of Operation Phoenix.
About 25 people are being held in custody at police stations across Hampshire, but that figure is expected to rise, police said. We have kicked your door down once, we will do it again if we have to Steve Watts, Assistant Chief Constable
Anyone arrested outside of the county in connection to the raids will be transferred into Hampshire Police custody. Hampshire Constabulary said 45 people are being held in custody at police stations across Hampshire.
Anyone arrested outside of the county in connection with the raids would be transferred into Hampshire Police custody, a spokeswoman said.
The London arrests were made in the west of the capital, in Tottenham, Sutton and Croydon.
Steve Watts, Hampshire Constabulary's Assistant Chief Constable said the number of those arrested was expected to rise significantly during the day and he did not rule out that other areas of the country may become involved in the operation.
Speaking directly to those who have not yet been arrested, Mr Watts said: "You will know by now you are wanted.
"We have kicked your door down once, we will do it again if we have to and we will find you.
"Save yourself the trouble, hand yourself in now."
He said a large amount of property had been seized, but at present no firearms had been found.
Following the first two phases of Operation Phoenix, in October 2005 and January 2006, a total of 88 people were convicted of a variety of drugs and theft offences.Following the first two phases of Operation Phoenix, in October 2005 and January 2006, a total of 88 people were convicted of a variety of drugs and theft offences.
The operation followed an intelligence-led investigation run by officers from the Serious and Organised Crime Unit.