Imitation gun seized as man is arrested on suspicion of trafficking children in Portsmouth

Specialist police targeting criminals who exploit children have arrested a man on suspicion of trafficking children '“ and three young boys for drug offences.
By The Newsroom
Published 10th Oct 2018, 16:01 GMT
Updated 11th Oct 2018, 04:43 GMT
Police are investigatingPolice are investigating
Police are investigating

Hampshire police revealed the force's Missing and Exploited Team raided homes in Paulsgrove and Fratton yesterday.

An imitation firearm and more than £2,000 in cash was seized, along with class A and B drugs.

The four people arrested were:

Police are investigatingPolice are investigating
Police are investigating
Hide Ad
Hide Ad

:: A 22-year-old man from Portsmouth arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to traffic children under the Modern Slavery Act and conspiracy to supply Class A drugs.

:: A 15 year-old boy and two 16-year-old boys from Portsmouth who were arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to supply Class A drugs

Detective Inspector Ross Toms said: 'Operations like the one carried out yesterday are only possible by working with communities and our partners.

'We can take action but we need information to build up a picture of what is happening and identify the risks to young people.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

'I would encourage all parents, teachers, carers, and others who live or work with young people to be aware of the signs that a child could be being exploited and contact us or one of our partners, such as Portsmouth City Council.'

Call police on 101 quoting Operation Tipple with any information.