Police in Hampshire have charged two men with possession with intent to supply Class A drugs after officers seized cocaine and cash in separate weekend operations in Winchester and Southampton. The arrests follow targeted patrols that uncovered evidence of drug supply networks operating in the region.
On Friday, May 15, officers in a marked patrol car stopped a vehicle on St Cross Road in Winchester after observing erratic driving. During the stop, officers found 13 wraps of a white powdery substance, suspected to be cocaine, hidden on the driver. A subsequent search of the vehicle and a linked Southampton address revealed an additional wrap and approximately £660 in cash, some of which showed signs of drug-related transactions.
Key Details
- ⚡ 13 wraps of suspected cocaine seized during first arrest
- 💰 £660 in cash recovered from suspect and linked address
- 📅 Court date set for May 18 at Winchester Crown Court
Petru Boiasu, 42, of Wimpson Lane in Southampton, was arrested at the scene and later charged with possession with intent to supply a controlled Class A drug. Prosecutors allege the evidence points to Boiasu playing a role in the local distribution chain, though police have not disclosed further operational details.
| Arrest Location | Suspect | Evidence Seized | Cash Found |
|---|---|---|---|
| St Cross Road, Winchester | Petru Boiasu, 42 | 13 wraps (cocaine) | £660 |
| Fellowes Rise, Winchester | Ivan Makaveev, 50 | 15 wraps (cocaine) | £180 |
In a second incident early Sunday, May 17, officers stopped a man cycling along Fellowes Rise in Winchester. A search revealed 15 wraps of cocaine and around £180 in cash on his person. Ivan Makaveev, 50, who is homeless, was arrested and charged with the same offence. Both men are scheduled to appear at Winchester Crown Court on Tuesday for a preliminary hearing.
💡 Pro Tip
If you suspect drug-related activity in your area, avoid direct confrontation. Instead, report suspicious behavior anonymously to Crimestoppers or local police, ensuring safety while helping authorities disrupt supply chains.
Detectives from Hampshire Constabulary’s Serious and Organised Crime Unit are leading the investigation, which they describe as part of a broader crackdown on drug networks in the region. Authorities have not confirmed whether the two cases are connected, but the proximity of the arrests and the nature of the evidence suggest potential links to a larger operation.
📋 Case Timeline
- Friday, May 15, 9 p.m. — Vehicle stop on St Cross Road leads to first arrest
- Saturday, May 16 — Search of linked Southampton address uncovers additional evidence
- Sunday, May 17, early hours — Cyclist stopped on Fellowes Rise; second arrest made
- Tuesday, May 18 — Both men due at Winchester Crown Court
Community leaders in Winchester expressed concern over the arrests, highlighting the ongoing impact of drug-related crime on local neighborhoods. Residents near St Cross Road and Fellowes Rise reported increased foot traffic and suspicious activity in recent weeks, prompting calls for enhanced police visibility and community engagement programs.
- 🔍 Police urge anyone with information about drug supply in Hampshire to contact their confidential hotline
- ⚠️ Witnesses are reminded to prioritize their safety when reporting incidents
- 📊 Hampshire Constabulary reports a 12% rise in drug-related arrests in 2024 compared to last year
As the case progresses, prosecutors will present evidence linking the seized substances to wider supply networks. If convicted, both men face up to life imprisonment under the Misuse of Drugs Act, with sentencing hearings expected to follow the preliminary court appearance.