A joint operation targeting drug dealers in Basingstoke has been hailed a success by officers.

Operation Ridings was the first of its kind to involve teams from a territorial operational command unit (OCU) and the force’s specialist operations department.

Teams from the North and East OCU were joined by officers from the Tactical Firearms Unit, Roads Policing Unit, the Force Support Unit and the Dog Unit to carry out the three day high visibility operation.

Over the three days, 10 search warrants were executed, 25 vehicles were stopped, 35 people were stop checked and 10 people were arrested.

Three people were charged with offences relating to the supply of cocaine and a number of people were given street warnings for cannabis.

Almost £37,000 worth of drugs were seized as well as one vehicle.

Superintendent Paul Brooks, who ran the operation, said: “The purpose of the operation was to target known and unknown drug dealers; both those who operate locally and those who come into the area to deal drugs and use weapons.

“Our aim was to disrupt the drugs supply network and drugs-related activity in the area and reassure residents that we are committed to preventing and deterring criminals coming into Basingstoke to commit this sort of crime.”

Head of Specialist Operations, Assistant Chief Constable Steve Watts said: “This initiative bringing territorial and operations resources together demonstrates our commitment and sends a strong message to drug-related violent criminals who operate within, or travel to, Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.

“We will continue to conduct these operations until these people get the message and either give up their criminality or steer clear of our force area.”