THREE people have been arrested today after a series of raids in Andover as part of an investigation into child exploitation for drug supply.

Officers from the Missing and Exploited Team executed warrants at addresses in Genoa Court, Corunna Main and Harvey Place where arrests were made alongside a quantity of cash and suspected Class A and Class B drugs being seized.

A 26-year-old man from Andover was arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of crack cocaine, while an 18-year-old man and a 40-year-old woman, both also from Andover, were arrested on suspicion of Class A and B drug supply. 

All three are currently in police custody.

The Missing and Exploited Team aims to safeguard young people believed to be at risk of exploitation, as well as targeting perpetrators and managing missing people.

Detective inspector Ross Toms said: “Operations like the one today 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.

 “I would encourage all parents, teachers, and others who work with young people to be aware of the signs a child could be being exploited and contact us and one of our partners.”

To contact the police, call 101, or 999 if a crime is in progress.

For more advice on the signs of exploitation, go to https://www.safe4me.co.uk.