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Drugs police arrest 45 in raids Drugs police arrest 50 in raids
(about 2 hours later)
Forty-five people were arrested when 800 officers raided 55 homes across England in a massive crackdown on suspected drug dealers and thieves. Fifty people have been arrested during raids on 55 homes across England in a crackdown on suspected drug dealers and thieves involving 800 police officers.
Dawn raids were carried out at 38 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 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 police officers and staff and specialist house entry teams, are the third phase of Operation Phoenix. The raids, carried out by officers from the serious and organised crime unit and specialist support units, are the third phase of Operation Phoenix.
We have kicked your door down once, we will do it again if we have to Steve Watts, Assistant Chief ConstableWe have kicked your door down once, we will do it again if we have to Steve Watts, Assistant Chief Constable
Hampshire Constabulary said 45 people were being held in custody at police stations across Hampshire. Police said premises were still being searched and a "significant" quantity of items had been seized.
Anyone arrested outside of the county in connection with the raids would be transferred into Hampshire Police custody, a spokeswoman said. Hampshire Constabulary said 50 people were being held in custody at police stations across Hampshire.
Anyone arrested outside the county in connection with the raids was being transferred into Hampshire police custody, a spokeswoman said.
The London arrests were made in the west of the capital, Tottenham, Sutton and Croydon.The London arrests were made in the west of the capital, Tottenham, Sutton and Croydon.
Asst Ch Con Steve Watts, of Hampshire Constabulary, said the number arrests was expected to rise significantly during the day. Earlier, Assistant Chief Constable Steve Watts spoke directly to those still wanted for arrest: "You will know by now you are wanted.
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."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.""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.The operation followed an intelligence-led investigation run by officers from the Serious and Organised Crime Unit.