YOU are our eyes and ears.

That is the message from police in Southampton working to tackle drug-related harm in the city with a new campaign.

Officers made ten arrests, stop-searched more than thirty people and vehicles, searched six houses and seized five vehicles last week as part of Fortress - Hampshire Constabulary's two-pronged approach which aims to tackle the issue through enforcement and partnership working.

On November 21, officers carried out 15 stop and searches, two house searches and five car searches. Out of the 15 people stopped and searched, three men were arrested for drug offences.

The following day, officers were out in force again, with five stop and searched carried out resulting in two arrests.

A further two people were arrested on suspicion of drug offences after officers searched a property on Denzil Avenue.

On November 23 two men were arrested on suspicion of offences including possession with intent to supply a Class B drug, and being concerned in the supply of a Class A drug. They all remain in custody.

Warrants were also executed on three houses in the city and searches carried out. Three vehicles were seized by officers during the day for not having insurance.

District commander, superintendent Alison Heydari said: “Like all cities, Southampton has people who are dependent on illegal drugs and organised crime groups and transient drug dealers exploit that and with that they bring misery, violence and harm.

“We are taking robust action against those found to be concerned in the supply of drugs and as well as enforcement, we work with our partners at Southampton City Council and provide support and diversionary activities to people on the periphery of the drugs trade to help them escape addiction and criminality.

“We do this with the support of the community in giving us information. You are our eyes and ears out there and the information you pass to us helps us build up a picture of what is really going on in your communities, and take action.

“If you suspect that an address in your neighbourhood is being used for drug dealing then please call 101 or the anonymous Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.

“All information could help us catch and convict those who deal drugs to our communities and even the smallest pieces of information can help us develop a clearer intelligence picture.”