Portsmouth police seize cannabis plants in Charlotte Street operation

The police team in Portsmouth’s Charles Dickens ward seized cannabis plants in a warrant in the city centre over the weekend.

Plants were seized by officers from the Charles Dickens and St. Jude’s Neighbourhood Policing Teams (NPTs), along with the force support unit, in an operation on Charlotte Street in the heart of Portsmouth on Friday.

A significant number of cannabis plants and equipment were located and seized.

Sergeant Richard Holland said: “This was a very successful operation — the seizure of these plants is a big loss to the dealer. This action sends a clear message to the public and demonstrates the NPTs’ commitment to combating drugs issues in Portsmouth.”

Councillor Stephen Morgan, ward councillor for Charles Dickens, welcomes the local police’s actions.

He said: “Residents have told me drug dealing is an issue in our communities. Last week I went out on night patrol across the city centre to see firsthand the actions the police take to keep our communities safe.

“This warrant was executed as part of the local team’s ongoing commitment to tackle drug dealing on our streets. I am grateful to the neighbourhood team for taking our concerns seriously and for taking this action”.

Sergeant Holland added: “I am pleased that Cllr Morgan was able to accompany officers on patrol, to see first-hand the hard work that goes into protecting the most vulnerable people in our community.

“It was also a good opportunity to highlight our ongoing proactive operations, such as targeting drug dealers and their associated violence in the city.”