Police in North and East Hampshire carried out an operation last week aimed at tackling drugs in the Basingstoke and Rushmoor areas.

Operation Ridings took place between Wednesday, March 17 and Friday, March 19.

More than 80 police officers from the specialist departments of Hampshire Constabulary were involved in each day of the operation.

A total of 29 people were arrested for a variety of offences, 64 people were searched and 24 vehicles were seized.

Basingstoke and Deane District Commander,Chief Inspector Andy Bottomley, said: “We have had massive success with the disruption of the sale and supply of drugs in north east Hampshire over the past months and this is part of our continuing hard work to tackle drugs, drug supply and violent crime.

“It is part of our ongoing commitment to carry out robust action against any drug dealers and their suppliers who may be coming into the area to commit crime.

“We are showing them that this is an area where they can expect to be pursued, located and arrested if they do come here to supply drugs.”

Officers will be carrying out similar operations during the weeks and months ahead.