A 23-year-old man from Ferndale, Wales, was arrested on 10 May 2026 after a foot chase in Basingstoke led to the discovery of suspected Class A drugs. The incident occurred when police officers were alerted to suspicious activity at the West Ham Park playground on Worting Road by a Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council Community Safety Patrol Officer.
When officers arrived at the scene, a group of individuals attempted to run away. Police successfully detained the 23-year-old man following a short foot chase. He was arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply a controlled drug of Class A on two counts.
This arrest is part of a continued effort by the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary to target drug dealing across the area. The local police force has maintained an active presence in Basingstoke throughout 2025 and 2026 to address such criminal activity, including a recent case in March 2026 where a drug dealer was jailed for more than three years.
The council’s Community Safety Team works alongside the police to manage drug-related incidents and anti-social behaviour in the community. Residents are encouraged to report any suspicious activity to the police to help support these ongoing safety efforts.
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