A TEENAGE boy is among three people arrested in connection with drug raids across Purbeck this week.

A series of search warrants were executed at six address in Swanage, Wareham and Bovington as part of an investigation into the supply of drugs.

Drugs were found at five of the six addresses. Cash and valuable items were also found.

Police made three arrests after the raids:

  • A 48-year-old Swanage man has been arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply class A drugs and money laundering offences, and has since been released under investigation.

  • A 15-year-old boy from the Wareham area was arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply class A and B drugs and has been released under investigation.

  • A 44-year-old man from Swanage was issued a warning after being found in possession of a class B drug.

Officers say a number of other individuals are assisting with investigations.

The arrests follow a summer of operations across Purbeck. On Sunday, August 12, a 38-year-old Swanage man was arrested for possession with intent to supply class As, as well as production of a drug. He was released under investigation.

Inspector Andy Keel of the Purbeck Neighbourhood Policing Team said: “This week’s operation has come about following several months of proactive and investigative work by my team.

"It would not have been possible without the vast quantity of information fed through to us from the wider Purbeck community.

"Purbeck is not a soft touch, and we will deal robustly with anybody believed to be involved in drug dealing.

"Those who deal drugs as part of ‘county lines’ networks often prey on the vulnerable, taking over their homes and trapping them in debt, leading many to turn to crime. This in turn impacts on the wider community.

“There is absolutely no justification for committing crime but we can through effective partnerships safeguard and assist anybody feeling trapped in such a situation.

“Purbeck has one of the lowest crime rates in the country and we strive to keep it that way by deterring and disrupting this kind of criminal activity, we can continue to make Purbeck one of the safest areas to live and work."

Anyone with information on drug-related activity should contact police by calling 101.