'Ring of steel' around the South West to tackle drug crime
Five police forces are taking part, led by Gloucestershire Constabulary.
Drug dealers are being warned of a 'ring of steel' around the South West this week.
That's from Gloucestershire's Police and Crime Commissioner - with the force taking the lead on this week's operation to tackle drug crime along with five other forces
Officers are also tackling linked offences - like violence, robbery, burglary and theft, and anti-social behaviour.
Gloucestershire, Wiltshire, Avon and Somerset, Dorset; and Devon and Cornwall forces will be joined by British Transport Police and the South West Regional and Organised Crime Unit (SWROCU) to carry out concerted activity for seven days from Monday 27 March.
Gloucestershire PCC Chris Nelson said: “The principle of co-operation across our five forces enables us to share best practice and helps tackle the problem of anti-social drugs in our communities.
“Operations so far have produced excellent results that provide tangible evidence of the value of closer collaboration.
“Modern policing is busy with many things. So our officers appreciate the renewed focus on proactive and surge operations, and the return to traditional policing that takes a zero-tolerance approach to a crime that has for too long antagonised communities all over the South West.”
Operational tactics are being kept under wraps but the region’s police chiefs want the criminals to know they are in their sights and that the South West is no place for drugs.
And as part of a rounded approach, vulnerable drug users will be signposted to help that is available and PCCs will be showing their support for partner agencies who work to educate people on the dangers of drugs.
Regional operational lead Superintendent Paul Keasey said: “It’s estimated that half of all acquisitive crime is carried out by 300,000 class A drug addicts and that drugs crime costs society £20 billion a year.
“The human cost is huge and we know that time and again drugs in a community is often the greatest concern for people.
“It affects how people feel about where they live, how safe they feel and their quality of life.
“Drugs can be linked to so many harms and operations like this are vital in making a positive difference.
“By harnessing our collective power across the South West, including partner and voluntary agencies, we are sending a clear message to criminals intent on illegal drug supply there is no place for them in our region.
“If you are involved in bringing drugs into the South West we want you to feel the fear – we will find you, we will pursue you and we won’t stop until we’ve got you.”