South West police forces work with local communities to drive out drugs
It's part of Operation Scorpion
Last updated 6th Mar 2024
Police say they're forming a 'Ring of Steel' around the South West - to make it clear drugs gangs aren't welcome.
They're asking people across the region to report any drug-related activity as part of Operation Scorpion.
The five police forces in the South West (Avon and Somerset, Dorset, Devon and Cornwall, Gloucestershire and Wiltshire) are working together on it, alongside their respective offices of Police and Crime Commissioners, South West Regional Organised Crime Unit (SW ROCU) and the charity Crimestoppers.
Their focus will be on drug supply and the associated harm, with the three key aims being:
- To demonstrate a ‘Ring of Steel’ around the South West, making it clear that drug gangs and associated crime will be targeted and removed from the region.
- To focus on visible street dealing by disrupting those who cause harm in communities through visible drug dealing and the associated crime.
- To work with the public and ask them to submit any intelligence gathering which may assist in identifying and tackling those responsible for causing drug related harm to communities.
Temporary Assistant Chief Constable Stephen Parker said: "Devon and Cornwall Police works tirelessly to disrupt drug dealing and to prevent the harm it brings to our communities.
"The intelligence that is supplied to us by the public is absolutely key to this, as it comes from local knowledge and observations.
"Misuse and selling of drugs are the starting point to many crimes, so we will relentlessly pursue those who bring drugs into the South West, endangering lives and livelihoods.
"Operation Scorpion is a great example of what we do, of our commitment to tackling the scourge of drugs, and how we work together with other police forces and other agencies to make sure that Devon and Cornwall are no place for drugs."
Devon and Cornwall Police and Crime Commissioner, Alison Hernandez added: "Operation Scorpion has taken millions of pounds worth of harmful drugs out of our communities, led to dozens of weapons being destroyed, put serious criminals behind bars and safeguarded dozens of vulnerable children who were being exploited.
"It has been a huge success but more remains to be done. My message is that our Police and Crime Commissioners in the region will remain resolute in supporting very robust police enforcement of the laws on drugs for as long as it takes."