Dorset Police news site

Dorset Police has joined colleagues from across the South West in a major crackdown on suspected large-scale cannabis cultivation and other drug supply networks.

The latest phase of Operation Scorpion saw more than 30 warrants executed across the region, and 36 people arrested. During the intensification period, which ran from Monday 17 February 2025, there were also 2,240 suspected cannabis plants discovered and destroyed and £57,335 cash was recovered.

In addition 246 grams of suspected cocaine, 500 grams and 32 wraps of suspected ketamine, more than 20 Nitrous Oxide (NOS) cannisters, six knives, one firearm, one BB gun, an axe and an suspected stun gun device were seized.

The action formed part of Operation Mille, a national intensification effort targeting suspected organised crime groups involved in large scale cannabis production. The operation coincided with a regional collaborative effort marking the 11th time that Devon & Cornwall Police, Avon & Somerset Police, Dorset Police, Gloucestershire Police, Wiltshire Police and the South West Organised Crime Unit (ROCU) have joined forces to disrupt drug gangs and dealers operating in the region.

In Dorset seven warrants were executed, leading to 12 arrests. An estimated 1.5kg of suspected cannabis was seized as well as 400 grams of suspected cocaine and 600 grams of suspected ketamine. Cash totalling £35,000 was seized and weapons recovered included two zombie knives, two further large knives and an air pistol.

Assistant Chief Constable Mark Callaghan, of Dorset Police, said: “We remain committed to taking positive action in response to concerns from our communities in relation to suspected drug related activity.

“By working collaboratively with our regional partners, it gives us the best possible chance of disrupting suspected criminal networks which operate across our Force areas.

“We will continue to take part in this kind of proactive activity, which has again seen a quantity of suspected illegal drugs removed from our streets and a number of people believed to be involved in the supply chain arrested.

“Key to all of this is the intelligence we receive from our residents, and we would continue to urge any members of our community with information relating to suspected drug related activity to please report it to us.”

Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner David Sidwick said: “I was pleased to join Dorset Police officers during this period of targeted action and witness first-hand the great work they continually do to keep our county safe from the dangers caused by illegal drugs.

“Results like these demonstrate the importance of community intelligence in our battle against the harm of illegal drugs. Without reports from the public, telling us what they’re seeing and hearing, outcomes like those seen during this latest phase of Operation Scorpion would not be possible.

“I implore the public to report their concerns either directly to Dorset Police or through Crimestoppers, as their information could be the missing piece of the puzzle Dorset Police needs in order to take action.

“Through joint working with our partners, neighbouring Forces and PCCs as well as South West ROCU, we are determined to put a ring of steel around the south west and send a clear message to criminals that Dorset is #NoPlaceForDrugs.”

Police forces, regional organised crime units (ROCUs) and partner organisations across England and Wales all participated in the third iteration of Operation Mille, with impressive results, including:

• 346 warrants and searches
• 45,746 plants seized, worth an estimated street value of £45,746,000 (based on an average of £1,000 per plant).
• 225 individuals have been arrested 
• 59 weapons have been seized, including 14 firearms
• £183,299.75 in cash seized
• 17 individuals suspected of being victims of modern slavery and human trafficking have been referred to the National Referral Mechanism to receive appropriate support.

If you suspect illegal drug activity is happening where you live, please report to the police.

Call 101 or report online at www.dorset.police.uk. If anyone is in immediate danger call 999.

If you wish to remain completely anonymous you can use Crimestoppers, an independent charity, by reporting online at https://crimestoppers-uk.org/ or by calling 0800 555 111.