FIVE people have been arrested as part of an operation to tackle Class A drug dealing in Andover.

The arrests were made on Wednesday last week as part of a national week of action on county lines.

Officers raided a property in Landseer Court with suspected Class A drugs and phones were seized.

A 44-year-old man from Andover was arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply a Class A drug.

A 15-year-old girl, 16-year-old girl and a 16-year-old boy, all from Essex, and a 19-year-old man from Wolverhampton, were also arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of a Class A drug.

County lines is the name given to drug dealers in major urban areas expanding their activities into smaller towns and rural areas.

Inspector Chris Taylor said: “Class A drugs can devastate the lives of users, their friends and families and the wider community.

“Our neighbourhood officers will continue to make Andover a hostile place for drug dealers.

“I want to thank the community for their continued support, and would encourage them to report drug-related activity to us on 101, or to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

“Any information we receive helps us build a better picture of what is going on and allows us to take action.”

All five people were released from custody but remain under investigation.

Anyone with information on this incident should call police on 101, quoting 44180381708.