Teenager is charged in connection with Portsmouth county lines operation

Detectives have been looking into a county lines operation in Portsmouth and Southampton, and have today charged a man in connection with this.

Olaleye Oduola, 19 from Iris Crescent, Bexleyheath, Kent, has been charged with five offences – two counts of possession with intent to supply controlled drug of class A, possession with intent to supply controlled drug of class B, being concerned in supply of heroin, being concerned in supply of crack cocaine and assaulting an emergency worker.

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

T/Chief Superintendent Nigel Lecointe, said: ‘This was great policing by officers from Portsmouth’s Neighbourhood High Harm Team supporting our Op Monument investigation into the supply of drugs in our communities.

‘Tackling county lines and its consequences are a national law enforcement priority. The National Crime Agency, Hampshire Constabulary and other police forces, alongside other partners are working extensively to identify and target the most serious perpetrators.

‘By taking out those at the centre of the lines, we not only disrupt the criminal network, but we prevent a whole host of other crimes from taking place.’

Anyone concerned about drug dealing in their neighbourhoods can contact police on 101, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

Thank you for reading this story. The dramatic events of 2020 are having a major impact on our advertisers and thus our revenues.

The News is more reliant than ever on you taking out a digital subscription to support our journalism. You can subscribe here for unlimited access to Portsmouth news and information online.

Every subscription helps us continue providing trusted, local journalism and campaign on your behalf for our city.