Police arrest man, 28, after £17k cocaine bust in street next to Gosport primary school

POLICE have arrested a suspected drugs deal after seizing a haul of cocaine worth £20,000 during a narcotics bust near a primary school.
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Officers raided the drugs den in Albert Street, Gosport, yesterday and discovered the cocaine cache as well as £17,000 in cash.

The bust took place just feet away from Newtown C of E Primary School, which backs onto the gardens of some properties in the road.

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Antonio Panayi, 28, of Albert Street, has been charged with possession of a class A drug with intent to supply, and two counts of possession of a class B drug with intent to supply.

Albert Street, Gosport, where the drugs bust took place. Photo: Google.Albert Street, Gosport, where the drugs bust took place. Photo: Google.
Albert Street, Gosport, where the drugs bust took place. Photo: Google.

He has been remanded in custody to appear at Portsmouth Magistrates’ Court tomorrow.

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The latest bust was part of Hampshire Constabulary’s efforts to crackdown on county lines drugs gangs.

A spokesman for the police force said: ‘Tackling county lines drugs supply and its consequences is a national law enforcement priority. Hampshire police, along with other police forces and partners, work extensively to identify and target the most serious perpetrators.’

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Police have urged residents to be ‘vigilant’ and report any ‘suspicious activity’ to them by calling 101 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

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