An 18-year-old man was spotted dealing drugs by a local police officer who was on patrol in the Central Gardens Bournemouth at around 11am on Sunday 3 July.

An officer from the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Neighbourhood Enforcement Team (NET), which proactively targets those believed to be involved in the drug supply network through Operation Viper, attended to assist.

The two officers went to detain the man and he allegedly punched one of the officers before he was arrested and searched. Officers reportedly recovered more than 40 wraps containing suspected class A drugs and a quantity of cash.

The 18-year-old man, of no fixed abode, was charged with two counts of possessing class A drugs with intent to supply, assaulting an emergency worker and acquiring, using or possessing criminal property. He appeared at Poole Magistrates’ Court on Monday 4 July and is next due to appear at Bournemouth Crown Court on Monday 1 August.

Sergeant Dan Cullen, of the BCP NET, said: “We are committed to disrupting the efforts of those who are suspected of being involved in the supply of class A drugs in our communities and work closely with our local neighbourhood policing teams to respond to reported activity in our area.

“I would urge anyone with information relating to suspected drug-related activity to please report it to us at www.dorset.police.uk/contact, via email 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk or by calling 101. If a crime is in progress, always dial 999.”