31 arrests in south west drug bust

Operation Medusa nets a £50k haul

More than £50,000 in cash, drugs and other property has been seized in a major drugs operation by Devon and Cornwall Police.

Focusing mainly on locations in Cornwall, but also targeting a vehicle on the M5 near Exeter, the intelligence led, activity focused on areas where drug dealing is believed to be taking place. 

Called Operation Medusa, it also involved a 'county lines' drugs team from Merseyside. County lines involves transferring drugs between regions, often using vulnerable people.

The South West Regional Organised Crime Unit (SWROCU) was involved in the operation, along with 100 other staff and officers, and which resulted in:

• 31 arrests for a range of drug related offences, theft of a vehicle, possession of weapon
• 51 crimes in total
• 53 vulnerable people safeguarded
• More than £50,000 in cash, drugs and other property seized
• 74 community engagement visits and events
• Vehicles seized for no insurance/MOT/licence
• Seizure of drugs, cash and bladed weapons

Head of proactive investigation, detective superintendent Jon Bancroft said: “Over the past two weeks we have seen some fantastic results from targeted work not only in removing drugs from our streets but also disrupting their movement and protecting vulnerable people at risk from dangerous drug networks. 

“This work happens every day in policing our communities, but the results show what is possible when we work with other forces and partner agencies to have an even bigger impact. I’d urge anyone with information about drug use or supply in their communities to report it to us so that we can continue this activity and see more results like this.”

Alison Hernandez, police and crime commissioner for Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, said: “It is absolutely vital that we work with other forces to tackle the drug dealing which does so much damage in our communities.

“These operations will continue with my full support, which includes direct financial investment, so our communities and the dealers who seek to exploit our most vulnerable citizens understand that this evil trade will not be tolerated here.”