South West Police Crack Down on Drug Crime: Over 100 Arrests and Major Seizures

Last week (30 Sept – 6 Oct), police forces across the South West—including Devon and Cornwall—came together in a coordinated operation to tackle drug crime. The joint effort, known as Operation Scorpion, involved Avon and Somerset, Dorset, Gloucestershire, and Wiltshire Police, alongside the South West Regional Organised Crime Unit (SWROCU). The focus was on disrupting drug markets, dismantling organised crime groups, and safeguarding communities from drug-related harm.

Intelligence-led Actions

The police utilised shared intelligence to conduct a range of targeted actions, such as vehicle stops, search warrants at properties, and high-visibility patrols in known hotspots for drug activity. They also engaged with local communities, running educational events to raise awareness about the dangers of drug-related crime.

Key results from the operation included:

• 117 arrests for offences including drug possession, supply, trafficking, and drug driving.
• 19 people charged with drug-related offences.
• The seizure of nearly 400kg of Class A drugs and cannabis, along with a significant number of ecstasy pills.
• Over £55,000 in cash suspected to be linked to drug crime.
• 109 community engagement events aimed at educating the public.
• 23 adults and children safeguarded after vulnerability checks.
• Six weapons seized during the week-long effort.

Photo: Devon & Cornwall Police intercepted a large quantity of drugs (56Kg of cocaine) near Newquay which an organised crime group had attempted to import

Devon & Cornwall Results

In Devon and Cornwall, 28 people were arrested, with three charged and two convicted of drug-related offences. The force recovered 7.26 kilograms of Class A drugs, including over 5 kilograms of cocaine, 3,000 doses of ecstasy, and nearly 4 kilograms of cannabis. In addition, they seized £45,555 in criminal funds, froze six bank accounts connected to criminal activities, and impounded 13 vehicles used in drug trafficking.

Chief Superintendent Sheon Sturland highlighted the importance of public intelligence in the operation’s success, noting that many actions were based on reports from the community. He stated, “There is nowhere criminals can go on our roads network without us knowing about it.”

Focus on Roads and Community

Operation Scorpion also placed a strong emphasis on disrupting the use of roads by criminal gangs. Assistant Chief Constable Jon Cummins of Avon and Somerset Police, who led the operation, explained how intelligence-led vehicle stops helped recover drugs, weapons, and cash. Meanwhile, neighbourhood policing teams carried out search warrants at properties suspected of drug activity, helping protect local residents from the harm of drugs.

Cummins added, “Information from the public was critical to the operation’s success. If you suspect illegal drug activity, please report it directly to the police or anonymously through Crimestoppers.”

Community Support

Avon and Somerset Police and Crime Commissioner Clare Moody and Devon and Cornwall Police and Crime Commissioner Alison Hernandez both praised the operation’s outcomes, expressing gratitude to the public for their support. Hernandez emphasised the importance of keeping Devon, Cornwall, and the Isles of Scilly safe through community efforts, adding that the operation showed how coordinated action across regions can make a significant impact.

For more information or to report drug-related crime, contact Devon & Cornwall Police.

If you wish to report information anonymously, contact Crimestoppers or call 0800 555 111.