South West Police Launch Major Crackdown on Drug Supply
Operation Scorpion, a huge police collaboration across South West England, is delivering a savage blow to drug dealers. The partnership brings together five police forces — Avon and Somerset, Dorset, Devon and Cornwall, Gloucestershire, and Wiltshire — with the British Transport Police, South West Regional Organised Crime Unit (SWROCU), and CrimeStoppers. Their aim? To turn the South West into a no-go zone for drugs.
Phase Three Targets Night-Time Drug Trade in Hotspots
The latest phase focused on drug supply and use in the night-time economy. Officers hit hotspots like Plymouth, Bournemouth, swindon/" title="Swindon" data-wpil-keyword-link="linked">Swindon, Cheltenham, and Bath hard, with plain-clothes patrols and drug testing in bars and licensed venues. From 18 November to 3 December, the crackdown led to:
- 649 drug disruptions
- 70 arrests, with 8 charges
- 22 vulnerable people safeguarded
- £51,853 cash seized
- About 3.5kg of Class B and 2.2kg of Class A drugs confiscated
Earlier phases this year have already smashed over 800 drug-related activities, seized kilos of drugs, £300,000 in cash, and a range of weapons.
“South West Is No Place for Drugs” – Chief Constable
Operation Scorpion sends a clear message – the South West is no place for drugs,” said Jim Colwell, Temporary Chief Constable of Devon and Cornwall Police.
“We’re hitting drug hotspots day and night. Dogs sniff out drugs inside venues, roads policing teams catch drivers under the influence, and targeted warrants wipe out drug supply chains. We’re working hard to safeguard communities and educate on the risks.”
“Public tips to police and CrimeStoppers have been key to targeting illegal activity. I urge anyone with information to come forward and help make the South West hostile to drug crime.”
Police and Crime Commissioners Back Tough Stance
Alison Hernandez, Police and Crime Commissioner for Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, slammed the casual party drug culture.
“Society wrongly thinks drugs like ecstasy and cocaine are harmless fun. The truth? Young lives are being destroyed, families shattered, and drug trade fuels child exploitation and violence. We will not stand for it.”
“Help is available for those wanting to quit. But dealers and users beware – the South West is cracking down hard.”
Speak Out: Help Police Wipe Out Drug Crime
If you have info on drug crime in your area, tell your local police online or call 101. In emergencies, always dial 999.
Want to report anonymously? Contact CrimeStoppers 24/7 on 0800 555 111 or use their online form. Your identity is 100% protected – no names or contact details asked, and reports are never traced.
Plus, informants could earn up to £1,000 if their tip leads to an arrest and charge. Don’t stay silent – help end the drug menace in the South West now.
