Bridport police seize class B drug in raids across town

To many, Bridport may be considered a sleepy town, but that doesn’t mean that there isn’t a darker side, with Dorset Police Assistant Chief Constable Mark Callaghan saying the force wants to make Bridport a ‘toxic place’ for drug related crimes.

I joined police officers just before 12pm, by which time officers had already carried out two warrants at Bridport addresses.

The local policing team was joined by the Force Support Group as we made our way to a Bridport home.

Obviously, a convoy of police vehicles arriving at a scene all at once sets off alarm bells in anyone’s mind so with no sirens blaring, the aim was to arrive as quickly and stealthily as possible and all at once.

Upon arrival, the sound of thudding filled the air as officers began breaking the glass window of the front door to gain entry to the property.

The team of nine worked quickly and intricately like a well-oiled machine to make sure that the operation was carried out smoothly.

Once access was gained it was go time – officers swooped into the house, ready to tackle the unknown.

There was glass shattered all across the entry way and some officers stayed back to help clean up the debris and make sure that the area was safe.

Bridport drug raid: The broken glass (Image: Hollie Carr)
Officers searched the house for signs of life and illegal substances, placing any evidence into clear plastic bags.

Quite frankly, I was astounded by their bravery and how they tackled a mission with an unknown threat level with such ease.

Force Support Group (Image: Hollie Carr)

It appeared that no one was home and as officers searched the property, the pungent smell of cannabis grew stronger.

Later, they exited the property with at least four bags of the suspected class B drug, as well as a set of weighing scales.

drugs confiscated (Image: Hollie Carr) Once investigations had been carried out within the property, the resident returned home. She was arrested at the address and subsequently de-arrested and is now assisting officers with enquiries.

Bridport drug raid (Image: Hollie Carr)

Prior to this, on a separate operation, police arrested and charged a woman at a different west Dorset address with possessing a class A drug after a quantity of suspected class A drugs were located at the property.

Additionally, at a third address no substances were found, but a man was located who was wanted in connection with an unrelated matter and he was therefore arrested.

The raids were carried out as part of ‘Operation Scorpion 9,’ a south west based policing initiative which sees forces work together to tackle drug supply and related criminal activity.

ACC Callaghan said: “We want to demonstrate to the community that we are listening to their intelligence.

“The team are well trained professionals, and this is what they are paid and trained to do. They wear specialist kits like helmets as it is all about protecting our officers. They are hard working individuals who want to make a difference.

Bridport drug raid (Image: Hollie Carr)

“We rely on community intelligence as it tells us what is going on so that we can build information. We want to know if they have information about drugs as well as vulnerable people.”

The ACC explained that the force wants to send a ‘really clear message’ that these types of crimes are not accepted in Dorset.

Operation Scorpion 9 ran between Monday, September 30 and Sunday, October 6 and during this time, officers carried out intelligence-led vehicle stops, search warrants at properties suspected of drug activity, high-visibility patrols in areas known for drug crime and community engagement events to educate the public about the risks of drug-related crime.

In Dorset there were 21 arrests, four vehicles seized and a number of weapons seized, including a hunting knife and a knuckle duster, additionally 15 safeguarding visits to vulnerable people were also carried out.

Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner, David Sidwick said: “Once again, the power of close collaboration with our regional colleagues as part of Operation Scorpion 9 has yielded another set of great results for Dorset and beyond.

“This latest iteration of Operation Scorpion has focused upon disrupting criminal activity on the roads and tackling those who put people’s lives at risk through drug driving, alongside intelligence-led operations in our communities. 

“It is imperative that those who commit harmful behaviours involving illegal drugs are robustly tackled, sending a crystal-clear message to others that we will not tolerate criminal behaviour in Dorset.

“I know the impact illegal drugs have, and I am absolutely determined to ensure work pursuing the drugs gangs and those intent on bringing harmful substances to Dorset will continue to be relentless.

“Lastly, I want to thank the public for their support and urge you to continue to report your vital pieces of intelligence. It could make the biggest difference in cracking these gangs and help make Dorset no place for drugs.”