South west cops seize £400k of drugs

VIDEO: Nearly 200 arrested

Devon and Cornwall Police has played a major part in disrupting networks supplying illegal drugs into the area.

The force is working with the other four police services in the south west (Avon and Somerset, Dorset, Gloucestershire and Wiltshire), and their police and crime commissioners, the South West Regional Organised Crime Unit (ROCU) and British Transport Police, with the support of the Crimestoppers charity, to carry out co-ordinated operations to tackle cross-border 'county lines' and drug dealing activities.

The title of the initiative is Operation Scorpion and its aim is to work across regional boundaries, just as criminals engaging in drug activity do.

It involves safeguarding those who are vulnerable, including drug users who will be supported to get the help they need to tackle their addictions, thus reducing demand.

In Devon and Cornwall, the first planned and co-ordinated activity under Operation Scorpion took place at the beginning of March, resulting in 20 arrests, the seizure of £35,600 worth of heroin £205,040 of cannabis, £16,000 of cocaine and thousands of pounds in cash.

Officers also seized three vehicles, high value items of clothing and handbags and disrupted 21 drugs supply lines.

Safeguarding visits were also carried out with 21 people, which included adults and children.

This collaborative ‘borderless’ approach will continue in the months ahead, disrupting the south west drugs' market, dismantling drugs supply networks and arresting those who profit from drug supply. It also includes safeguarding those who are vulnerable, including drug users who will be supported to get the help they need to tackle their addictions, thus reducing demand. The firm message is that our area is #NoPlaceForDrugs.

Assistant chief constable Julie Fielding said: “This opportunity, to work with our regional partners demonstrates our commitment to ensure that Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly remain amongst the safest places to live, work and visit in the UK.

Alison Hernandez, police and crime commissioner for Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, said: “Op Scorpion is the first time myself and the other South West Commissioners have worked jointly with all our chief constables towards a common aim – making the south west a hostile place for drug dealers.

“This ongoing assault on drugs – from Gloucestershire right down to Land’s End – will see officers working together to track down drug suppliers and county lines operations and put a stop to them. This will be done through intelligence, technology and joint innovation which will hit drug dealers where it hurts. We can’t do it without the help of everyone, so I’m asking for people to anonymously report drug dealing via CrimeStoppers on 0800 555 111.

“But Op Scorpion is also about offering help to those in our families and communities who get caught up in the poisonous web of drugs and addiction. We want to find these people and make sure they are helped to break these damaging habits.

Anyone with information about illegal drugs activity should report it to their local police service online or via 101. Always call 999 in an emergency.

If you have information you would like to pass on anonymously, you can speak to the independent charity Crimestoppers 24 hours a day, 365 days of the year on 0800 555 111 or use their non-traceable online form. You will remain 100 per cent anonymous.