Arrests made and illegal items seized in drug crackdown

Operation scorpion in Devon

17 people across Devon and Cornwall were arrested following an operation, last week, to target illegal drugs and child exploitation. 

More than £12,000 was seized by police, over 2kg of cocaine taken as well as other class A and B drugs during operation Scorpion.

The crackdown brings together the five South West police forces; Avon and Somerset, Dorset, Devon & Cornwall, Gloucestershire and Wiltshire, alongside their respective Offices of Police and Crime Commissioners, the British Transport Police, and the South West Regional Organised Crime Unit. 

Arrest and search warrants took place, as well as targeted vehicle stops, and the use of drones to track suspected offenders.

Vulnerable individuals were also identified and given details of support services after their numbers were found on seized phones. Officers and police staff also engaged with children and adults to raise awareness of exploitation of vulnerable people by criminal gangs.

17 people were safeguarded across the two counties, 14 cuckooed addresses were visited – where criminals take over someone's home to use it as a base for crime, 1.5g of crack seized, 0.15g heroin seized, 2239.8g cocaine seized, 50g of cannabis resin seized, £12,013 in cash seized and seven weapons seized – including four air weapons, one knuckleduster and a telescopic baton.

Schools and colleges were visited to make awareness about county lines and exploitation to children. 

Detective Chief Superintendent Sheon Sturland of Devon & Cornwall Police said: “Keeping communities in Devon and Cornwall safe by seizing harmful drugs, targeting suppliers, and disrupting county lines networks is our clear mission.

“Protecting vulnerable people exploited by criminals, especially children and young adults, remains at the heart of our work. If children go missing it’s a key indicator of child criminal exploitation, and the risk to them increases.

“We see the harm that drug related criminality brings to our communities, and so this work doesn’t end with one week of action. We will continue to take a robust, proactive approach to disrupting drug supply and tackling associated anti-social behaviour and exploitation."

“Devon and Cornwall and the wider South West is no place for drugs. You can help us and our partner agencies by reporting any suspicions or concerns..”

Alison Hernandez, Police and Crime Commissioner, said: “I would like to thank members of the public who continue to report drug crime either via the police or anonymously via Crimestoppers. We don’t tolerate drugs in our region.

“Alongside the efforts of the police to disrupt organised criminal groups we also need to tackle the root causes of drug use. That’s why I am such an advocate of organisations that work to deliver effective treatment for those battling drug addiction and protect young people from exploitation. I would encourage anyone who is struggling with drug abuse, or knows someone who is, to reach out for support.”

These are some of the signs to look out for in a child’s behaviour that could indicate that they are being exploited:

• often going missing from home or school and being found away from their normal area
• unexplained money, clothes, designer wear, jewellery, gadgets or mobile phones
• having multiple mobile phones
• committing theft/shoplifting
• relationships with older people
• carrying weapons 
• significant emotional changes (like becoming angry or sad), or becoming fearful, withdrawn or isolated
• traveling alone and at unusual times