South West Police Operation Results in 95 Arrests and Major Seizures

Law enforcement officials apprehended 95 individuals and confiscated £40,000 in currency over a week-long series of operations targeting “county lines” drug networks across the South West region. These significant seizures of illicit substances and money occurred as part of the most recent phase of Operation Scorpion, a coordinated regional initiative aimed at combating drug trafficking and related criminal activities. The operations, conducted from 25 November to 1 December, resulted in the arrest of 95 individuals and the placement of 107 people, among them 32 children, into protective safeguarding environments. A primary emphasis of the week-long enforcement effort was placed on addressing child criminal exploitation, a practice where offenders manipulate and exploit young individuals to commit offenses for them. Philip Wilkinson, Wiltshire’s police and crime commissioner, stated: “Our message is clear – Wiltshire and the South West is no place for drugs.” He further commented: “I want to urge parents to not shy away from having the difficult conversations with their child if they’re concerned.” “Parents must have open conversations with their children around county lines, knife crime and associated criminality, and know what signs to look out for.” Region-wide, the operation led to the apprehension of 95 individuals and the confiscation of £47,863 in cash, along with 37kg (81.5lbs) of cannabis, 564 cannabis plants, and 3.7kg (8.1lb) of cocaine. Law enforcement agencies from Dorset, Devon & Cornwall, Avon & Somerset, Gloucestershire, and Wiltshire participated in this comprehensive operation. Throughout the week, officers collaborated with partner organizations to deliver presentations in educational institutions and carried out “cuckooing” checks to identify vulnerable adults and children. Furthermore, search warrants were executed by officers across the county, leading to the recovery of tens of thousands of pounds in cash and the removal of Class A and B drugs from circulation. Representing the five regional police forces, Wiltshire Police Chief Constable Catherine Roper commented: “The results from the latest week’s regional activity of arrests and drugs seizures show that we continue to be effective in disrupting the illegal drugs trade.” She added: “We must also remember the ongoing work by police and our partners to protect and support vulnerable people – often children and young adults – who are coerced to join these criminal networks. “Bribed with gifts and money, once recruited these victims are usually threatened with or are victim to violence, forcing them to remain in these criminal gangs.”