Police services across the South West – Avon and Somerset, Devon and Cornwall, Dorset, Gloucestershire, and Wiltshire, together with the South West Regional Organised Crime Unit (SWROCU) – joined forces in a coordinated effort to combat drug-related crime on our roads and in our communities.
Operation Scorpion 9 ran from Monday 30 September to Sunday 6 October and focused on disrupting drug markets, dismantling organised crime groups, and safeguarding our communities from the harm associated with drug crime, including serious violence and anti-social behaviour. By sharing intelligence and resources, officers conducted targeted actions such as:
- Intelligence-led vehicle stops
- Search warrants at properties suspected of drug activity
- High-visibility patrols in areas known for drug crime
- Community engagement events to educate the public about the risks of drug-related crime
Across the week, results included:
- 117 arrests for drugs-related offences including possession, supply, trafficking, drug importation and drug driving
- 19 people charged with offences to date
- The seizure of nearly 400kg of suspected Class A drugs and cannabis, along with a large number of ecstasy pills
- Over £55,000 in cash seized suspected to be linked to drug crime
- 109 education and engagement events with local communities and schools
- At least 23 adults and children safeguarded after vulnerability checks
- 6 weapons seized
In Dorset there were 21 arrests, four vehicles seized and a number of weapons seized, including a hunting knife and knuckle duster. 15 safeguarding visits to vulnerable people were also carried out.
In Bridport an operation led by local neighbourhood policing officers saw three warrants executed on one day during the intensification week. At one address a woman was arrested and subsequently charged with possessing a class A drug after a quantity of suspected class A drugs were located at the property. At another address officers recovered a quantity of suspected class B drugs were located and a woman is assisting officers with their enquiries. At the third address nothing was located but a man was located who was wanted in connection with an unrelated matter and he was therefore arrested.
In Poole an intelligence-led operation resulted in a vehicle being stopped and searches uncovered a number of wraps of suspected class A drugs. A man was subsequently charged with possessing class A drugs with intent to supply and has appeared in court.
In Christchurch a man and woman were stopped in a vehicle near to the Blackwater Junction on the A338 near Christchurch. Following a search, the man was found to be concealing drugs. He was charged with possessing class A drugs with intent to supply and has appeared in court. The woman was arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of class A drugs and has been released under investigation as further enquiries are carried out.
Assistant Chief Constable Mark Callaghan, of Dorset Police, said: “We fully recognise the impact that the supply of illegal drugs and drug related activity has on our communities.
“By working with regional colleagues and developing vital intelligence provided by our communities, we are able to make Dorset a hostile environment for those involved in suspected supply of illegal drugs to operate in.
“Through working together and focussing on the road networks in the region, we have continued to further disrupt the activities of those involved in the suspected supply of illegal drugs.
“I would continue to urge members of the public to report any information or intelligence around the suspected drug related activity so we can continue to make real inroads in tackling this blight on our communities.”
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 #NoPlaceForDrugs.”
The community can play a vital role in identifying potential drug-related activity and crime. Signs to look for include:
- an increase in visitors or vehicles at a residence
- new, unfamiliar faces appearing frequently
- changes in a resident’s behaviour—becoming secretive, withdrawn, or aggressive
- young people with unexplained, expensive new items (clothes, phones, etc.)
- residents or young people going missing for extended periods
- young people seeming unfamiliar with your community or where they are
- suspicious vehicles – criminals often use cars, vans, and other vehicles to traffic drugs, cash, weapons, and vulnerable people. If you notice a vehicle repeatedly coming and going at odd times, parked in unusual locations, or being driven suspiciously, take note of the make, model, colour, and registration number. Even a small detail could be the key to disrupting a criminal network.
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