The tenth iteration of Operation Scorpion took place recently in Dorset and across the wider South West region. Operation Scorpion is a drugs operation which involves all five south west Police and Crime Commissioners, their respective police forces, the South West Regional Organised Crime Unit and other key partners including British Transport Police.

It aims to make the whole of the South West a hostile environment for illegal drugs and those who peddle them, with each phase also focusing on a different aspect of drug-related crime. This time around Operation Scorpion – which ran alongside the national County Lines Intensification Week - focused on exploitation, with all five police forces and PCCs raising awareness of the signs to watch out for, especially among young people.

In Dorset, I support an organisation called Escapeline who help children stay safe by educating them about how child exploitation and grooming happens, while also teaching them protective strategies. The charity works alongside police across the South West and also provides education and training for professionals including youth workers, social workers, health professionals and the police. You can read more about their work here along with some important advice on the signs to be aware of.

During the week of action in Dorset there were:

- Six children safeguarded.

- Seven warrants executed.

- More than £20,000 cash seized.

- Two high harm drugs lines closed.

- 21 arrests.

- More than 200,000 of cannabis seized.

- Weapons recovered including knives, machetes, a stun gun and zombie knife.

In total across the region:

- 95 people were arrested

- £47,863 cash was seized

- 37kg of cannabis, plus 564 cannabis plants were seized

- 3.7kg of cocaine was seized

- 107 people were safeguarded, including 32 children

These results serve to highlight why Operation Scorpion is such an important tool in our fight against illegal drugs. Shutting down two county lines, recovering weapons including zombie knives and a stun gun, and seizing more than £200,000 of cannabis are terrific results and contribute towards making Dorset a safer place to live, work and visit. Through continued close working with our neighbouring colleagues and other agencies, the power of this regional partnership was once again demonstrated.

Alongside the warrants and robust enforcement from the Force, this iteration of Operation Scorpion safeguarded six children. Policing is not just about banging down doors and arrests; it enables vulnerable people in our communities to be protected and that is vital in our fight against illegal drugs.

Of course, these results would not be possible without the crucial intelligence reported by members of the public and that’s why I would urge people in Dorset to continue to tell us about issues in your community. Your report could be the missing piece of puzzle and help to make results like these possible, and Dorset #NoPlaceForDrugs.

I want to be clear that our work in Dorset will continue apace; targeting criminality, taking drugs off the streets, smashing county lines, safeguarding vulnerable people and working closely with our neighbouring Forces to put a ring of steel around the South West.

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.