A PENNINGTON man has been charged with drugs and firearms offences.

David Williamson, 28, of Howards Mead, was charged with the supply of a controlled drugs and possession of a firearm and appeared before Southampton Magistrates Court on Thursday.

The charges follow the execution of four search warrants in the Lymington area by police on Tuesday.

Four other people were arrested on suspicion of drugs offences – a 22-year-old Pennington woman, a 30-year-old Lymington man, a 43-year-old Lymington man and a 26-year-old Hordle man.

They were bailed, pending further enquiries, until October 10.

A number of items seized are currently being examined. Chief Inspector Tony Rowlinson, New Forest District Commander, said: “This week's warrants were led by the local policing team for Lymington with support from other officers within the force.

"The ongoing investigation is now being led by Operation Fortress.

“This is further evidence of the relentless pursuit by New Forest police of those intent on supplying illegal drugs during the last 12 months.

"This effort complements the previous successful operations within the New Forest to bring offenders to justice for supplying drugs.”

Operation Fortress is a campaign to reduce the harm caused by drug-related violence in and around Southampton. One of the aims of the campaign is to bring together communities and help rebuild neighbourhoods free from the fear of crime.

If you are concerned about drugs or drug-related crime where you live, call police on 101 or email operation.fortress@hampshire.pnn.police.uk.

Anyone who has any information to support disrupting drug supply can contact police on 101 or the anonymous Crimestoppers charity line on 0800 555 111. In an emergency, or if you suspect a crime is in progress, always call 999.