Last week, the ninth phase of Operation Scorpion took place across the south west. This vital drug operation involves all five south west Police and Crime Commissioners and police forces, the South West Regional Organised Crime Unity and other key partners including British Transport Police.

This latest iteration of Operation Scorpion, which aims to make the south west a hostile environment for illegal drugs, concentrated on disrupting criminal activity on the roads, including drug driving and other associated harms.

During the week of action, Dorset Police carried out a range of operational work, demonstrating the Force’s commitment to robust enforcement, alongside the safeguarding of vulnerable people in our county. Through close working with our regional colleagues, and thanks to the crucial intelligence provided by our communities, the effectiveness and power of this partnership was once again demonstrated.

From vehicle stop and searches which took place, warrants executed, drugs and vehicles seized, weapons confiscated, arrests and charges brought, officers in Dorset and across the south west worked tirelessly to protect vulnerable people and take drugs off our streets and off our roads.

Some of the results across the region include:

- 117 arrests for drugs-related offences including possession, supply, trafficking, drug importation and drug driving.

- 19 people charged with offences to date.

- The seizure of nearly 400kg of suspected Class A drugs and cannabis, along with a large number of ecstasy pills.

- Over £55,000 in cash seized suspected to be linked to drug crime.

- 109 education and engagement events with local communities and schools.

- At least 23 adults and children safeguarded after vulnerability checks.

- 6 weapons seized.

In Dorset, there were 21 arrests, four vehicles seized, a number of weapons confiscated including a hunting knife and knuckle duster, and 15 safeguarding visits to vulnerable people carried out. During the week of intensification, officers carried out three warrants, leading to arrests and the seizure of Class A and B drugs. Intelligence-led operations also resulted in vehicles being stopped, drugs being found, and arrests being made.

I want to be clear; it is imperative that those who commit harmful behaviours like this are robustly tackled, sending a strong message to others that we will not tolerate criminal behaviour in Dorset. I want to thank officers for their dedication to tackling the harms that drugs present in our communities.

I know the impact illegal drugs have and our work in Dorset will be relentless in pursuit of the drug gangs and those who are intent on bringing these harmful substances to our county.

My final message of thanks goes to you, the public, for your support, and I urge you to continue to report your vital pieces of intelligence. It could make the biggest difference in cracking these gangs and help make Dorset #NoPlaceForDrugs.

David Sidwick

Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner

How to report:

Speak to independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously 24 hours a day, 365 days of the year on 0800 555 111 or use their non-traceable form online.

You can also use the StreetSafe app, a service which allows you to report safety concerns in public places without giving your name, so it is also anonymous.

Or you can report information and intelligence to police online at www.dorset.police.uk/intelligence or call the Force on 101.