Almost 200 arrests made during major drugs sting from Cornwall to Gloucestershire

Police say Operation Scorpion sends a strong message to drugs' criminals

The South West's Police and Crime Commissioners have been working together on the operation
Author: Emma HartPublished 21st Mar 2022
Last updated 21st Mar 2022

Police have seized at least £404,000 worth of drugs during a major sting across the South West.

Operation Scorpion was carried out from the 7th March and involved forces from Cornwall to Gloucestershire.

Officers say almost 200 arrests were made and 400 drug lines were disrupted.

The five regional forces worked alongside their respective Police and Crime Commissioners, British Transport Police, South West Regional Organised Crime Unit and Crimestoppers to set aside regional boundaries, just as criminals engaging in drugs activity do, to harness their collective power and disrupt the South West drugs market.

The aim was to dismantle drugs supply networks and arrest those who profit from them.

Coinciding activity with National County Lines Intensification Week police used a range of tactics including enhanced surveillance of the road and transport networks, increased high visibility patrols in areas of high demand, carrying out warrants at addresses used for drug dealing and welfare checks on vulnerable people.

What were the results of Operation Scorpion?

Police across the South West have combined their operational powers to tackle cross border drugs supply activities.

Operation Scorpion took place from the 7th March 2022 and across the South West led to:

• 194 arrests in connection with drugs related offences

• 55 warrants carried out

• 400 drug line disruptions

• £404K (at least ) of suspected drugs seized

• £131K (at least) of cash seized

• 320 vulnerability / welfare checks carried out and people safeguarded

• A vast array of weapons seized including tasers, knives and machetes

In Devon and Cornwall, the first planned and co-ordinated activity under Operation Scorpion took place during week commencing Monday 7th March, resulting in 20 arrests, the seizure of £35,600 worth of heroin £205,040 of cannabis, £16,000 of cocaine and thousands of pounds in cash.

Officers also seized three vehicles, high value items of clothing and handbags and disrupted 21 drugs supply lines.

Safeguarding visits were also carried out with 21 people, which included adults and children.

Assistant Chief Constable Julie Fielding said: “This opportunity, to work with our regional partners demonstrates our commitment to ensure that Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly remain amongst the safest places to live, work and visit in the UK.

“It demonstrates the strength that working together brings in our determination to tackle the harm caused by drugs.

“Those involved in County Lines often target and take advantage of some of the most vulnerable people in our communities, exploiting them for gain.

“Working with Avon and Somerset, Dorset, Gloucestershire and Wiltshire, has enabled us to target some of the areas where those we believe to be involved in drugs activity and organised crime have set up in local communities, causing misery, harm and nuisance, as well as identifying and safeguarding those who are being exploited.

“If you have information that you wish to pass to us about drugs or any other community matters, you can do this in a number of ways, including via the Crimestoppers website, speaking to the local policing team or via any of the means on the force website, 101, email or chat.

“If you are concerned that someone you know is allegedly involved in drugs, you can also reach help through local services such as your GP or local drug treatment services.”

Alison Hernandez, Police and Crime Commissioner for Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, said: “Op Scorpion is the first time myself and the other South West Commissioners have worked jointly with all our Chief Constables towards a common aim – making the South West a hostile place for drug dealers.

“This ongoing assault on drugs – from Gloucestershire right down to Land’s End – will see officers working together to track down drug suppliers and county lines operations and put a stop to them. This will be done through intelligence, technology and joint innovation which will hit drug dealers where it hurts. We can’t do it without the help of everyone, so I’m asking for people to anonymously report drug dealing via CrimeStoppers on 0800 555 111.

“But Op Scorpion is also about offering help to those in our families and communities who get caught up in the poisonous web of drugs and addiction. We want to find these people and make sure they are helped to break these damaging habits.

“In our first two weeks of action we have had some incredible results in Devon and Cornwall, with officers seizing around £256,640 worth of drugs and arresting 20 people. They have also seized money, weapons and vehicles belonging to those involved in the supply of drugs and helped to reduce the likelihood of children in our communities being exploited.

“The message to anyone looking to deal drugs in the South West is clear – don’t. Our community won’t tolerate it anymore. We will find you, we will stop you and you will be punished to the full extent of the law.”

How can I report illegal drugs activity?

Anyone with information about illegal drugs activity should report it to their local police service online or via 101. Always call 999 in an emergency.

To pass on information anonymously, speak to the independent charity Crimestoppers 24 hours a day, 365 days of the year on 0800 555 111 or use their non-traceable online form. Contact will remain 100% anonymous. Always. They will never ask for a name or contact details and the phone call or online report will never be traced.

If the information supplied leads to an arrest and charge, there could be a cash reward of up to £1,000.

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