Drugs crack-down hailed a success

30 August 2012 Last updated at 05:52 ET

More than 35,000-worth of drugs have been seized in an operation to combat drug-related violence in Southampton.

Hampshire Constabulary said it had made more than 70 arrests in the three months since the launch of Operation Fortress, at the end of May.

About 74,000 in cash had also been seized, officers said.

Police are also working with councils and other agencies to tackle the root causes of illegal drug use.

Det Supt Kath Barnes, who is leading the operation, said: "I'm bowled over by the support we have had for Operation Fortress since we launched it - everybody wants to be a part of this because they can really see that it's making a difference.

"We have put over half a dozen people in touch with drug treatment services and adult services."

Operation Fortress was set up in response to a number of violent incidents in the city, including a shooting and a number of stabbings.

Southampton also has the highest proportion of illegal drug users in Hampshire, according to police.

"We are going to make Southampton a really difficult place to operate from for dealers," Det Supt Barnes continued.

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Drugs crack-down hailed a success