Dorset Police seized weapons and £100,000 in drugs crackdown

Dorset Police joined officers across the south to take part in the week of action.

Under the banner of Operation Scorpion, the initiative saw forces use powers to disrupt drug crime in the south west by dismantling drugs supply networks, and arresting those who profit from them.

Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner David Sidwick said: “For the first time, all the five regions of the south west have come together with the same priority and a clear intent – to hit those involved in illegal drug activities and County Lines, to take drugs off our streets and to catch those responsible.

“I am extremely proud of the way in which all the partner agencies have worked together to coordinate this unique operation.

“Fighting Violent Crime and High Harm is one of the priorities of my Police and Crime Plan and sitting under that priority is tackling drug related criminality and exploitation and what better way can there be to tackle the issue, than to bring together our collective resources and turn the whole of the south west region into a fortress against drug crime.

“Criminals don’t see county borders when it comes to drug supply and dealing activities and now, neither do we.

"To all those involved the message is clear - the south west is no place for drugs."

• Read more: Brave teenager speaks out after being robbed at knifepoint in woods

In Dorset, Operation Scorpion, which took place in the week commencing March 7, saw 18 individuals involved in suspected drug offences arrested, 17 warrants executed and, around £100,000 seized, as well as various weapons.

A heroin block seized by police

Six suspected county lines were disrupted, linked to 36 vulnerable members of the community who were visited for welfare checks.

Meanwhile the South West Regional Organised Crime Unit (SWROCU) seized £10,000 worth of heroin and crack cocaine from a vehicle which was travelling to Bournemouth from Merseyside.

Assistant Chief Constable Steve Lyne, of Dorset Police, said: “This operation has seen Forces across the region take a collaborative, borderless approach to disrupt the efforts of suspected criminal gangs who are involved in the supply of illegal drugs, including county lines networks.

“We will continue to work with our partners across the region to relentlessly pursue those suspected of being involved in the drug supply chain and to support vulnerable people in our communities.

“Through this work we will make Dorset a hostile place for criminals to operate and make Dorset a safe county for everyone.

“Our communities can continue to play a part by reporting any suspected drug related activity to us and we would encourage anyone with information to please come forward.”

The work involving forces in Dorset, Devon and Cornwall, Wiltshire, Gloucestershire and Avon and Somerset was supported by British Transport Police, the SWROCU and the charity Crimestoppers.

• Read more: 'Prolific' thief BANNED from every single Boots branch in the country

The five police and crime commissioners for the south west met with Policing Minister Kit Malthouse MP in London last week.

Together they unveiled their collaboration and increased focus on making the south west a hostile place for drugs and criminal gangs.

Mr Malthouse said: “Confronting drugs is central to fighting crime, violence and neighbourhood degradation. So, I commend the work of Wiltshire, Devon & Cornwall, Dorset, Gloucestershire and Avon & Somerset police forces to rid this scourge from our streets.

"Op Scorpion is a fine example of what can be achieved when we treat drug- related crime as an insidious enterprise, and the villainous bosses need to know they will soon be behind bars, with plenty of time to ponder on their wickedness.

“Through our Drugs Strategy we are tackling both the supply and demand for narcotics by supporting the police in tracking down these ruthless drug gangs, whilst helping those addicted to drugs with treatment and recovery services.

“The success of Operation Scorpion in the south west is proof that collaboration is key in tackling the supply of narcotics and dismantling the gangs behind it. I want to thank the officers working tirelessly to drive down drug-related crime and anti-social behaviour in their areas.”

If you are interested in court and crime news, stay up to date with all our latest updates in our dedicated Facebook group. To find out more and to join click here.