Operation Blue Island: Police issue update after large cannabis factory found and Portsmouth CBD shop raided

Several police raids were carried out across Portsmouth and elsewhere as part of Operation Blue Island. These took place in Cosham, Southsea, North End, Drayton, Fareham, Portchester and across Hampshire.

Officers discovered a factory filled with 130 plants in Havant Road, North End. Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary arrested 29 year-old man from Portsmouth on suspicion of being concerned in the production of a Class B drug, initially bailed until June 27.

A police spokeswoman said the individual has now been released under investigation while enquiries continue. In an unrelated incident, officers raided a CBD in Albert Road, Southsea, which was linked to supply illegal narcotics. Two warrants were carried out - at the location and address in Nicholas Crescent, Fareham - with multiple kilos of cannabis plant and resin being seized. Drug supply paraphernalia was also confiscated.

Two people from Fareham, a 41-year-old woman and a 40-year-old man, were detained on suspicion of importing and being concerned in the supply of cannabis. The police spokeswoman said they are currently on bail until September 26. Another drugs raid took place at a property in Penrhyn Avenue, Drayton.

Police received reports linking drug offences at the address to a hairdressing salon in Portchester. The spokeswoman confirmed that no one has been arrested in relation to those raids at this time, but an investigation is continuing to take place.

Detective Chief Inspector Ross Toms previously said: “We are fully committed to ensuring that local communities do not suffer as a result of criminality and will do everything we can to target offenders that continue to cause harm, crime and anti-social behaviour within Portsmouth.” He added: “Targeting those involved in drug-related activity and the associated violence that comes with it continues to be a key priority for us.”