A major multi-agency police operation across the South West has resulted in 92 arrests as officers cracked down on drug supply and child exploitation linked to organised criminal networks. Operation Scorpion involved coordinated action from police forces across Avon and Somerset, Dorset, Devon and Cornwall, Gloucestershire, Wiltshire, the South West Regional Organised Crime Unit, and the British Transport Police.
Over the course of a week-long region-wide effort, law enforcement seized more than £446,000 worth of drugs and recovered 29 weapons, including knuckledusters and six imitation firearms. The operation also identified and safeguarded vulnerable individuals whose contact details were found on seized phones.
Wiltshire Police led the coordination of the campaign, which focused on disrupting the Class A drug trade and its links to missing and exploited children. Wiltshire alone accounted for 26 arrests, safeguarding 24 individuals, and seizing £380,000 worth of drugs.
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Nationally, the operation contributed to over 2,100 arrests, safeguarding 1,348 vulnerable people, and the seizure of more than 600 weapons, while aiding the dismantling of 335 county lines criminal networks.
Assistant Chief Constable Liz Coles of Wiltshire Police emphasized the continuing commitment to community safety, stating: “We are dedicated to removing harmful drugs, targeting suppliers, and disrupting county lines networks. Protecting vulnerable children and young adults exploited by gangs remains central to our work.”
Policing Minister Sarah Jones MP joined officers in Wiltshire, witnessing firsthand the efforts to combat county lines distribution and support at-risk individuals.
Police outreach extended to local schools, educating students about exploitation and the risks associated with drugs. In Wiltshire schools, 32 vapes were tested, with two found to contain harmful substances such as THC and Spice. In Cornwall, Devon and Cornwall Police delivered presentations on county lines and exploitation, while high-visibility patrols targeted known drug hotspots in Plymouth, Exeter, and Camborne.
An awareness campaign ran across social media platforms like TikTok and Snapchat, aiming to reach young people in digital spaces. Additionally, Police Cadets collaborated with hotels as part of Hotel Watch, identifying signs of child sexual exploitation and modern slavery; however, 11 out of 26 hotels visited failed these checks.
Police and Crime Commissioners for Wiltshire and Devon and Cornwall highlighted the importance of community involvement and support services in combating drug-related crime and exploitation. They encouraged reporting suspicious activity and emphasized early intervention to protect young people.
Detective Chief Superintendent Sheon Sturland of Devon and Cornwall Police reiterated the ongoing commitment: “We will continue to take robust and proactive action to disrupt drug supply and tackle exploitation and anti-social behaviour.”
Members of the public are urged to report any information regarding illegal drugs or exploitation to the police via official channels or anonymously through Crimestoppers to help safeguard communities.