Almost 100 people were arrested across the South West during a major police crackdown targeting illegal drugs and the exploitation of vulnerable children.
The coordinated operation, known as Operation Scorpion, saw forces from across the region join together to tackle organised crime and county lines drug networks.
The initiative involved Devon & Cornwall Police, Avon and Somerset Police, Dorset Police, Gloucestershire Constabulary and Wiltshire Police, alongside the British Transport Police, regional Police and Crime Commissioners and the South West Regional Organised Crime Unit.
The activity coincided with a national week of action targeting county lines drug networks.
Across the South West, the operation resulted in 92 arrests, 59 people safeguarded, and the seizure of more than £446,000 worth of drugs, £54,915 in cash, and 29 weapons, including imitation firearms, batons and a knuckleduster.
During the week of action, Policing Minister Sarah Jones MP joined officers carrying out a warrant in Trowbridge to see how police are tackling county lines activity.
Officers carried out a range of enforcement measures, including search warrants, targeted vehicle stops and the use of drones to track suspects.
Police also worked to identify vulnerable people whose phone numbers were discovered on seized devices, ensuring they were offered support and safeguarding services. Engagement sessions were also held with children and adults to raise awareness of how criminal gangs exploit vulnerable people.
In Devon and Cornwall, the operation saw 17 people arrested and 17 people safeguarded, including three under the age of 18.
Police also visited 14 “cuckooed” addresses – homes taken over by criminals and used as bases for drug dealing.
Officers seized more than 2.2kg of cocaine, small quantities of crack cocaine and heroin, and £12,013 in cash, along with seven weapons including air weapons, a knuckleduster and a telescopic baton.
Local police teams carried out high-visibility patrols and community engagement in areas known for drug activity in Plymouth, Exeter and Camborne.
Officers and youth engagement teams also visited nine schools in Cornwall to deliver awareness sessions about county lines and criminal exploitation alongside safeguarding staff.
A regional awareness campaign also ran on social media, including targeted adverts on TikTok and Snapchat, designed to reach young people online.
Detective Chief Superintendent Sheon Sturland said tackling drugs and protecting vulnerable people remained a key priority.
“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 thanked members of the public who continue to play a role in identifying and reporting people and properties of concern.
“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.”
Police say signs that a child may be being exploited can include going missing from home or school, having unexplained money or possessions, carrying multiple mobile phones, associating with older individuals, or travelling alone at unusual times.
Anyone with concerns about illegal drug activity or the safety of a vulnerable person is urged to contact Devon & Cornwall Police via 101, or call 999 in an emergency. Information can also be reported anonymously through the charity Crimestoppers.
