More than 100 arrests made during coordinated week of police activity targeting drug supply across the South West

More than a hundred people have been arrested across the South West after police forces came together to target illegal drugs and child criminal exploitation (CCE).

Operation Scorpion is a collaboration between the South West’s five police forces (Avon and Somerset, Dorset, Devon and Cornwall, Gloucestershire and Wiltshire), alongside their respective offices of Police and Crime Commissioners, the British Transport Police and South West Regional Organised Crime Unit (SW ROCU) which sees resources combined to tackle drug supply and make the region a hostile environment for organised crime groups.

During a week of coordinated activity, police officers and staff worked collectively to apprehend suspected dealers, seize drugs and weapons, and safeguard vulnerable people.

A range of enforcement activity took place, including the execution of arrest and search warrants, vehicle stops and the use of drones to track suspected dealers.

In addition, vulnerable people were safeguarded, with several people identified from the phones seized from suspected dealers and sent text messages with details of support services.

In total, across the South West:

• 112 people were arrested
• £67,329 cash was seized
• 52kg of cannabis was confiscated, including 868 cannabis plants
• Three guns were recovered, plus five imitation firearms
• 48 people were safeguarded, including five children

In Wiltshire, there were:

• 17 warrants carried out
• 45 people arrested, with four people since charged and one convicted
• £11,930 cash seized
• £60,000 worth of Class A and Class B drugs
• 14 people safeguarded
• 15 cuckooed addresses visited
• 5 closure orders granted
• 11 weapons seized included an imitation firearm, machete, zombie knife, knuckle duster and a large hunting knife
• Numerous assets seized including 9 mobile phones, 3 vehicles, clothing and counterfeit cigarettes. 

Last week’s Operation Scorpion, which was coordinated by Gloucestershire Constabulary, had a particular focus on CCE – where criminals groom and exploit young people into carrying out crimes on their behalf.

Officers visited schools where they gave inputs to children on county lines and CCE, highlighting what it looks like and where to get help and support.

A coordinated awareness campaign was also run on social media, with targeted TikTok and SnapChat adverts designed to reach young people where they spend much of their time - online.

Police and Crime Commissioner Philip Wilkinson said: “Operation Scorpion has been instrumental in safeguarding children and young people from exploitation linked to county lines. This initiative demonstrates the strength of borderless collaboration, with police forces working seamlessly across regional boundaries to share intelligence, coordinate enforcement, and dismantle criminal networks that target the most vulnerable. 

"Alongside enforcement, we have led the delivery of the first regional TikTok and Snapchat campaign, educating young people on how to spot the signs of criminal exploitation and seek help. By combining strong partnership working with proactive prevention, we are reducing harm and reinforcing our collective commitment to protecting communities. 

"We will continue to build on this approach to prevent exploitation and keep people safe. Wiltshire and the South West is no place for drugs."

T/Detective Superintendent Megan Elkins from Wiltshire Police said: "Our mission is clear: to make Wiltshire safer by removing harmful substances from our streets, arresting those who supply them, and dismantling criminal gangs and county lines networks.

"Equally important is our commitment to protecting and supporting vulnerable victims—often children and young adults—who are exploited by these networks. Safeguarding them remains a top priority alongside protecting our communities.

"We know that criminal gangs are exploiting children and young people to move drugs and money across Wiltshire. We all have a role to play in raising awareness, taking action, and preventing this harm.

"Throughout this week we have also been raising awareness about the signs to look out for in children's behaviour that could be a sign that they are being exploited.  This includes:

• Often going missing from home or school and being found away from their normal area
• Unexplained money, clothes, designer wear, jewellery, gadgets or mobile phones
• Having multiple mobile phones
• Committing theft/shoplifting
• Relationships with older people
• Carrying weapons
• Significant emotional changes (like becoming angry or sad), or becoming fearful, withdrawn or isolated

"We know the impact this type of criminality has on our towns and villages, causing harm and misery. This work does not end with one operation; drug supply networks operate across borders, and we will continue to take a strong, robust stance against this exploitative crime.

"Our message is simple: Wiltshire and the South West is no place for drugs.”

Anyone who suspects drug dealing or suspicious activity is taking place in their community can report it to either Crimestoppers anonymously or police.

Published Wednesday 3 December 2025