POLICE in Andover have arrested four people as part of a national week of action to disrupt county lines networks and the supply of drugs across the district.

The week of intensification, which ran from Monday, October 3 to Sunday, October 9 saw officers focus their efforts on county lines.

They worked to tackle the drug supply and related high harm that brings violence to communities and exposes young and vulnerable people at risk of exploitation.

A man was arrested and charged with county lines offences during the week-long operation.

Jorden Essien, 23, of Longton Avenue, Lewisham was arrested on Friday, September 7, as part of a joint operation with officers from Hampshire Constabulary and the Metropolitan Police.

READ MORE: Officers take part in week of action to disrupt drugs supply across Andover and Test Valley

He was charged with being concerned in the supply of heroin and crack cocaine and possession with intent to supply heroin and crack cocaine.

A further three men were also arrested throughout the week.

The first, Ashley Marshall, 27, was arrested on Monday, October 3 during a proactive stop and search in Beales Close.

Mr Marshall, who has no fixed address, was found to possess a quantity of cannabis and a Stanley Knife.

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He was charged with possession of cannabis and possession of a knife in a public place.

Marshall appeared at Basingstoke Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday 4 October and entered guilty pleas to both charges.

He is next due to appear at Winchester Crown Court on Friday, 28 October for sentence.

A further two men were arrested on Wednesday, October 5 as part of a drug warrant at an address in Turin Court, Andover where a quantity of suspected Class A drugs was located.

The two men aged 29 and 24, both from Andover, were arrested on suspicion of drug offences.

The 29-year-old man received a conditional caution for possession of heroin and possession of crack cocaine, while, following a review of the evidence, no further action was taken against the 24-year-old man.

Sergeant Stu Harris from Andover’s High Harm team said: “Disrupting county lines drug dealing and preventing the exploitation of vulnerable people is a priority for us in Andover.

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“We will continue to keep up the pressure on those known to us locally as being involved in this kind of activity.”

During the week, officers also visited and spoke with vulnerable people in Andover to provide safeguarding advice.

Safeguarding groups and charities such as The Children’s Society are vital tools in the fight against county lines, and the police are encouraging members of the public to come forward with information to help those vulnerable people, including children, be safeguarded.