More than 100 arrested as police target drug gangs in South West
Dorset Police says its determined to bring down criminal networks exploiting children and vulnerable people
Over 100 arrests have been made and dozens of suspected county lines shut down as police forces across the South West carried out a week-long crackdown on drug supply networks and child exploitation.
As part of the latest phase of Operation Scorpion, officers from across the region combined to disrupt criminal gangs and protect vulnerable people.
In total, 102 people were arrested, and large quantities of drugs, cash and weapons were seized.
This included 65.7kg of cocaine, 274g of crack cocaine, nearly 14kg of cannabis, 455g of heroin, as well as ketamine, MDMA and mixing agents.
Officers also seized £119,326 in cash, 100 mobile phones, 26 weapons and 17 vehicles, including six e-bikes.
In Dorset alone, 23 arrests were made, with police recovering £26,134 in cash, 2.5kg of cannabis, 0.45kg of cocaine and smaller quantities of heroin.
The police also confiscated ten weapons, including zombie knives and a knuckleduster as well as safeguarded five people at risk of exploitation.
The latest operation placed a particular focus on child exploitation and the industries unknowingly enabling criminal activity.
Police worked with hotels, taxi and private hire companies, and postal operators to raise awareness of exploitation, helping staff spot signs of criminal networks and report concerns.
Assistant Chief Constable Mark Callaghan of Dorset Police said: “By working together across the region, it gives us the best opportunity to tackle suspected criminal networks who are exploiting vulnerable people, particularly children.”
He added that while enforcement was key, collaboration with frontline industries was crucial to building intelligence and preventing harm.
Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner David Sidwick praised the operation’s comprehensive approach: “These results show our commitment to tough enforcement when it comes to dealing with illegal drugs across the South West. Alongside enforcement, education and intervention are essential.”
He continued: “This region will not tolerate this harmful criminal activity. Everyone has a role to play in recognising the signs and supporting efforts to dismantle these dangerous networks.”
Members of the public are being urged to report any suspicious activity linked to drug crime or exploitation to police or anonymously through Crimestoppers.