TWELVE arrests were made for drugs offences last month - including one relating to coercing children into illegal activity.

Dorset Police says it's continuing to crack down on drugs, drug gangs and county lines and, over the summer months, has been ramping up activity to tackle illegal drugs and those who profit from them.

The force says drug crime brings misery to communities and officers 'have been relentless in dealing with drug-related crime across the county, protecting communities and safeguarding vulnerable people.'

During August, Dorset Police officers carried out 46 disruptions to active county lines; carried out 33 safe and well checks – ensuring vulnerable people – especially children and young people – are kept safe within their own homes; safeguarded 19 people – providing longer term protection to vulnerable people (including children) who have been impacted by county lines activity; and made 12 arrests - a number of people were arrested in relation the supply of Class A and Class B drugs, including one which related to coercing children into committing drug-related assaults.

Police continue to investigate information passed on by the public.

In addition, following extensive investigation work and a successful prosecution, two men have been convicted of supplying Class A drugs - crack cocaine and heroin - and are currently awaiting sentence.

Assistant Chief Constable Rachel Farrell, of Dorset Police, said: “We continue to disrupt county lines to protect young people and safeguard those at risk.

“We work in collaboration with other forces and our partner agencies to disrupt the efforts of those suspected of being involved in county lines drugs operations and will relentlessly pursue all reports of criminality.

“I would encourage any members of the community to report their concerns to Dorset Police so we can investigate and take action.”

Police and Crime Commissioner, David Sidwick, said: “One of the key priorities of my Police and Crime Plan is to deal with fighting violent crime and high harm – and that, of course, includes drugs, particularly the county lines gangs who bring heroin, crack cocaine and other substances from the big cities into our small towns and villages.

“I am delighted to witness county lines being tackled so robustly by our police force in Dorset – criminals should have no doubt that law enforcement agencies across the country are working together to drive them out of our community.”

To report suspected drug dealing in your community, contact Dorset Police at dorset.police.uk/contact, via email 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk or by calling 101.

If a crime is in progress, dial 999.

Alternatively, independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling Freephone 0800 555 111.