Police raid halts drugs party at former school
By thisishampshire – Monday 02 August 1999
Copyright: thisishampshire
RAVERS planning an illegal drugs party at a derelict Southampton school had their rooftop hideaway raided by police.
Officers found the walled roof terrace transformed into a rave venue complete with sound system and makeshift chill-out area.
Controlled drugs were also seized in Saturday’s raid, codenamed Operation Ferrier, at the former Eastern District Council school in Anglesea Terrace.
The special operation followed a noisy party the previous weekend, when dance music spread across the city centre as far as St Denys.
Operational commander Sergeant Paul Rowsell said: “We had information that another event was planned for Saturday night where controlled drugs were likely to be offered for sale.
“Our concerns related to the drugs issue as well as the disturbance for local residents and the personal safety of anyone who attended. It is a derelict building with a wealth of possible hazards.”
No-one was inside at the time of the bust but three men were later arrested at the scene.
Two local men aged 27 and 31, believed to have been the rave organisers, were kept in custody overnight.
The pair were later released but police inquiries were continuing.
A third man aged 27 had been warned for possession of cannabis.
