POLICE aimed stamp out drug dealing in a major five-day operation in Winchester.

Six people were arrested as part of Hampshire Constabulary's Operation Fortress campaign and 14 people were searched Four suspected drug dealers were arrested in Winchester last Friday (April 8)when police stopped and searched a car.

Undercover and uniformed officers swooped on the group as residents in Water Lane watched on.

A spokesperson for Hampshire police, said: "On Friday April 8 four people were arrested on Water Lane, Winchester on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs.

"A 16-year-old boy from London, a 24-year-old man from London, a 19-year-old man from London and a 23-year-old man from Middlesex have been bailed until June 6 and 7 pending further enquiries."

Police also made arrests in Jewry Street on April 4 when two men were seen acting suspiciously around Winchester Discovery Centre.

Police arrested a 15-year-old boy from London on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs.

An 18-year-old man from London was also arrested on suspicion of possession of a controlled drug of Class A and Money Laundering. They have been bailed until June 7 pending further enquiries.

The issue of drugs has been a concern for residents in Water Lane, who have called for the police to take further action.

One woman, who asked not to be named, said the problem is so bad she feels it is not safe to take her dog out for walks due to needles.

She said: “You see drug use around here on a daily basis. It is a real concern it gets to the stage you don’t want to walk your dogs because there’s needles on the floor.

“It is really concerning as a mum; I just hope the police put a stop to this.”

Another resident said:“This area used to be so nice, it’s terrible now.”

City councillor Ian Tait is also concerned about drugs in the city.

Cllr Tait said: “Lots of people in Winchester take drugs that’s why we have drug busts in Water Lane, Colson Close and other parts of Winchester."

Last November police shut down an alleged crackhouse in Trussell Crescent, Weeke and police chiefs say they are doing all they can to crackdown on the issue.

Chief Inspector Claire Taylor said: “One of our aims is to make life as unpleasant as possible for those people suspected of being involved in drug dealing and crimes linked to drugs. These days of action saw officers from Winchester District out and about in the city disrupting those suspecting of being involved in the supply of Class A drugs.

“We’re committed to freeing our communities of drugs and the misery drugs bring and we will continue carrying out these types of operations. If you have any information about drugs in your community, please contact us; the more we know, the more we can do about it.”