Twenty arrested as Wiltshire Police launch new crackdown on drug dealing
It's a regional operation
Last updated 21st Mar 2022
A new regional crackdown has been launched across the South West, with Wiltshire Police making twenty arrests in relation to drug dealing.
Operation Scorpion aims to crackdown on drugs, disrupt the South West drugs market, dismantling drugs supply networks and arresting those who profit from them.
Earlier this month, teams across the county carried out a number of activities, including raids and high visibility patrols.
This included three homes in Wilton on the same morning, where a number of arrests were made.
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Not only were arrests made, but items were also seized including cash and a machete.
Across the week of activity:
• 20 people were arrested
• Ten warrants were executed
• 24 vehicles were stopped
• Seven drugs lines were shut down
• Approximately £12,500 worth of cash seized
• Up to £3,000 worth of drugs were seized
• 42 vulnerability checks were completed
• 11 safeguarding referrals were made and 200 drug users were contacted signposting them to partner support agencies.
Chief Constable Kier Pritchard said:
“Not only are these criminals selling drugs to vulnerable drug users, creating a cycle of misery and knock-on criminality which impacts the whole of society, but they also bring with them huge consequences for our local communities. There is associated violence, intimidation, anti-social behaviour and the exploitation of young people who find themselves coerced or drawn into these dangerous and predatory gangs.
“We all have an important role to play in helping to keep the South West clear of drugs. You are our eyes and ears, and if you have information about drugs activity in your area, then we would urge you to tell the police about this. You can do this by either calling the police directly or by contacting Crimestoppers.
“Information and intelligence from our communities is key and, if you report your concerns, then we will take action.”
There are four other regional forces who have joined together for this operation.
They are Avon and Somerset, Dorset, Devon and Cornwall and Gloucestershire.
Speaking on behalf of all forces involved, Assistant Chief Constable of Wiltshire Police, Mark Cooper explained how Operation Scorpion would enhance the police response to the supply and distribution of drugs:
“This operation is about combining the resources, intelligence and enforcement powers of all the police forces across the South West to create a “ring of steel” against organised criminals looking to cause harm in this part of the country.
“We know that those who supply and distribute illegal drugs operate in a borderless way, creating complex networks of drugs lines in our towns and cities, and we need to mirror that if we are going to be successful in taking a strong and robust stance against this sort of criminality.
“This operation is sending a clear message to those organised crime groups out there – the police forces in this region are working together and we will find you, we will follow you and we won’t stop until we have made sure you are brought to justice.”
Anyone who has suspicions about drug dealing or activity happening in their area are being encouraged to report it to police.
You should call them on 101, Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via the Wiltshire Police website.