Police actively looking for drugs gangs using children to transport substances on trains into the region
Devon & Cornwall Police has given us special access to an operation targetting county lines drugs gangs
Last updated 3rd Dec 2025
Today we're on patrol with Devon and Cornwall Police - as we report from the frontline of the fight to stop gangs smuggling drugs across our region using trains
It comes as Police here in the South West are now working together to highlight the dangers of county lines drugs gangs in adverts on apps like TikTok and snapchat - after more than 100 people were arrested in a regional crackdown of illegal drugs and child criminal exploitation.
The adverts aim to warn young people about the dangers of getting involved with the gangs. The adverts highlight what child criminal exploitation looks like, how to spot the signs and where to get help and support. Links to regional services and helplines will ensure that anyone affected can access help quickly and safely.
Recognising that these crimes do not stop at borders, Wiltshire, Avon and Somerset, Devon and Cornwall, Dorset and Gloucestershire police forces alongside their respective OPCCs, have combined resources to take a bold stand against exploitation.
Criminal gangs are increasingly targeting children to transport drugs and cash across county boundaries, using coercion, intimidation and violence. This exploitation can have devastating consequences for young people and their families.
It is the first time that the South West region has launched a coordinated awareness campaign on TikTok and Snapchat, designed to reach young people where they spend much of their time - online.
The campaign features short, impactful videos designed specifically for TikTok and Snapchat, using relatable language and visuals to resonate with young audiences.
Alison Hernandez, Police and Crime Commissioner for Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, said: “We continue to work across the five forces in the South West to make our area hostile to drug dealers and to those who coerce or exploit our children.
“Drug dealers don’t care that it will put them at risk of serious harm, arrest or worse.
“This important campaign will help inform those around our children, who may have been coerced into committing a crime recognise the signs and encourage them to get help.
“I also urge parents to be vigilant and don’t be afraid to have a frank conversation with your children about how to spot the dangers of exploitation and to look out for their friends and classmates.
“Finally, if you have any information relating to children being involved in this, please report it to police on 101, or call 999 if someone is in immediate danger."
More than a hundred people have been arrested across the South West after police forces came together to target illegal drugs and child criminal exploitation
Operation Scorpion is a collaboration between the South West’s five police forces (Avon and Somerset, Dorset, Devon and Cornwall, Gloucestershire and Wiltshire), alongside their respective offices of Police and Crime Commissioners, the British Transport Police and South West Regional Organised Crime Unit which sees resources combined to tackle drug supply and make the region a hostile environment for organised crime groups.
During a week of coordinated activity, police officers and staff worked collectively to apprehend suspected dealers, seize drugs and weapons, and safeguard vulnerable people.
A range of enforcement activity took place, including the execution of arrest and search warrants, vehicle stops and the use of drones to track suspected dealers.
In addition, vulnerable people were safeguarded, with several people identified from the phones seized from suspected dealers and sent text messages with details of support services.
In total, across the South West:
112 people were arrested
£67,329 cash was seized
52kg of cannabis was confiscated, including 868 cannabis plants
Three guns were recovered, plus five imitation firearms
48 people were safeguarded, including five children