Five South West Police Forces Unite to Crush Drug Crime with Operation Scorpion
Five police forces have joined forces to tackle cross-border drug crime across the South West with a bold new initiative: Operation Scorpion. Avon and Somerset, Dorset, Devon and Cornwall, Gloucestershire, and Wiltshire Police, alongside the British Transport Police, South West Regional Organised Crime Unit (SW ROCU), Police and Crime Commissioners, and charity Crimestoppers, are smashing regional boundaries to hit criminals hard.
Operation Scorpion Strikes Hard in Wiltshire
During National County Lines Intensification Week starting 7 March, Wiltshire officers went all out. Their tactics included:
- Enhanced road and transport monitoring
- High-visibility patrols in hotspots
- Drug warrants executed
- Welfare checks on vulnerable victims
- Partnership work with local authorities and charities
Results? Arrests soared and drug lines cracked:
- 20 people arrested
- 10 drug-related warrants carried out
- 24 vehicles stopped and searched
- 7 drug supply lines shut down
- £12,500 cash seized
- Up to £3,000 worth of drugs taken off the streets
- 42 vulnerability checks completed
- 11 safeguarding referrals made
- 200 drug users contacted and directed to support services
Chief Constable Pleads with Public for Help
“These criminals don’t just peddle misery to vulnerable users—they drag our communities into violence, intimidation, and anti-social havoc,” said Chief Constable Kier Pritchard of Wiltshire Police.
“Young people are exploited by ruthless gangs. We all must act to keep the South West drug-free. If you spot drug activity in your area, please report it — you are our eyes and ears.”
Residents can call Wiltshire Police on 101 or report anonymously via Crimestoppers at 0800 555 111.
Assistant Chief Constable Promises ‘Ring of Steel’ on Drug Crime
Assistant Chief Constable Mark Cooper representing the five forces said, “Operation Scorpion harnesses our combined resources and intelligence to build a ‘ring of steel’ around criminal gangs.”
“Drug dealers operate with no respect for borders—so neither do we. We’ll track down these organised crime groups, follow their moves, and won’t stop until they face justice.”
This united front sends a clear warning: South West drug gangs are running out of places to hide.
Your Tip Could Bring Dealers Down
Got info on drug dealing or suspicious activity? No tip is too small. Calls to 101 and Crimestoppers are confidential and invaluable in building the bigger picture needed to smash these crime networks. Help take back our communities now.
