Torquay police seize £5,000 of drugs in seven-day crackdown

Police in Torquay have revealed the results of a week-long operation aimed at tackling drug dealing and reassuring the local community.

The initiative, known as Operation Harbourlight, focused primarily on the Castle Circus area of the town. It was the seventh proactive day of its kind this year, with previous operations carried out over the summer and autumn, starting on 25 June.

Inspector Rob Harvey, head of the Torquay Neighbourhood Police Team, said: “We want to show the community that we take drug offences very seriously and want to reassure residents and visitors of Torquay that we will be proactive and bring offenders to justice. Drug dealing is not a victimless crime and we are satisfied with the results we achieved during Operation Harbourlight.”

The operation’s results include:

• 17 drug seizures valued at over £5,000

• 45 intelligence and disruption reports submitted

• 53 people searched, along with several vehicles

• 16 location visits and searches

• Six arrests and four illegal e-bikes and weapons seized

Police and Crime Commissioner Alison Hernandez said the operation sent a “clear message that drug dealing won’t be tolerated” and highlighted ongoing hotspot policing in Castle Circus funded through a Home Office grant.

She added: “It is very important for the community to have confidence that the police will act on the intelligence that they provide. It is also vital that victims and people who are struggling with addiction receive the right help.”

Residents are encouraged to report illegal activity through Devon & Cornwall Police’s website, by calling 101, or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.