Nearly 100 Busted in Huge South West Drug and Child Exploitation Crackdown
Operation Scorpion Strikes Back
Almost 100 suspects arrested in a major South West police blitz targeting illegal drugs and child exploitation. Forces from Avon and Somerset, Dorset, Devon & Cornwall, Gloucestershire, and Wiltshire joined forces in Operation Scorpion to smash county lines dealers.
Working alongside Police and Crime Commissioners, the South West Regional Organised Crime Unit, and British Transport Police, the coalition launched a week-long offensive. Raids, vehicle stops, and drone surveillance were used to track down offenders. Huge hauls of drugs, cash, and weapons were seized.
Policing Minister Sarah Jones jumped in on a Wiltshire Police raid in Trowbridge, witnessing the crackdown live. A man in his 30s was arrested on suspicion of Class A drug supply and has been released on bail.
Staggering Haul and Arrests Across the Region
- 92 arrests made across the South West
- 59 vulnerable people protected
- £54,915 cash seized
- More than £446,000 worth of drugs confiscated
- 29 weapons removed, including knuckledusters, batons, and imitation guns
Wiltshire was the hotspot:
- 26 arrests, with 24 vulnerable individuals safeguarded
- 52 “cuckooed” homes raided — properties hijacked by criminals for drug deals
- £380,000 in drugs and £22,500 cash seized
- 10 weapons recovered, including six fake firearms
Wiltshire Chief: “No Safe Haven for Drugs”
“Our mission is clear: keeping Wiltshire safe by removing harmful drugs, targeting suppliers, and disrupting county lines networks,” said Assistant Chief Constable Liz Coles. “Protecting vulnerable people—especially children exploited by gangs—is our priority. This doesn’t end with one week. We’ll keep up the fight.”
Schools, Hotels, and Social Media: Fighting Crime on All Fronts
Officers delivered 22 school talks, reaching nearly 1,000 students to warn against county lines dangers. They inspected 26 hotels; 11 failed to spot signs of crime, including child sexual exploitation. Vape devices were tested, revealing illegal drugs in two cases.
Social media campaigns targeted young people on TikTok and Snapchat, hitting them where it counts – online.
Police and Crime Commissioner Philip Wilkinson said: “This South West effort, led by Wiltshire, proves the power of local forces working smart. We’ll keep building partnerships to keep young people safe and informed.”
Spot the Warning Signs of Exploitation
Wiltshire Police urge families to watch for red flags like:
- Frequently missing from home or school
- Unexplained cash, designer clothes, or gadgets
- Carrying multiple mobile phones
- Involvement in shoplifting or theft
- Relationships with much older individuals
- Carrying weapons
- Sudden emotional changes or withdrawal
Got Info? Speak Up!
If you know something about drug crime, don’t stay silent. Report it by calling 101, or dial 999 in an emergency. To stay anonymous, contact CrimeStoppers anytime at 0800 555 111 or visit their website.
