Operation Scorpion tackles suspected drug use during week of action
Officers from Dorset Police have executed two warrants as part of a proactive operation to tackle suspected drug use and supply.
During the warrants, which were carried out in the Weymouth area on Tuesday 28 March and the Bournemouth area on Wednesday 29 March 2023, officers seized a quantity of suspected class A and class B drugs, weapons, mobile phones as well as various other drug dealing paraphernalia.
At the Weymouth warrant a 31-year-old man from the Dorchester area was arrested on suspicion of possession of class A drugs and was subsequently de-arrested at the scene. He is due to attend for a voluntary interview.
At the Bournemouth warrant a 16-year-old boy from the Bournemouth area was arrested on suspicion of intent to supply class B drugs and released under investigation.
This activity is part of wider work the Force is doing this week alongside colleagues from other forces across the South-West region known as Operation Scorpion.
Superintendent Andy Dilworth, of Dorset Police, said: “We receive a large number of contacts from members of the public sharing intelligence about suspected drug use and dealing within Dorset and we’re committed to responding to this information and taking positive action where possible.
“Our enforcement operations have and continue to target anyone suspected of looking to use Dorset for criminal activity and make it a hostile place.
“I am proud of the hard work displayed by our dedicated officers, staff and volunteers in tackling suspected criminality of this nature that causes such considerable concern for our communities.
Multiple teams of officers and staff from across the Force were involved in executing the warrants including the Force Support Group, neighbourhood policing teams, Neighbourhood Enforcement Team, Dog Section, CID, Intelligence Team and crime scene investigators.
Police and Crime Commissioner David Sidwick said: “I’m pleased to see Dorset proactively targeting suspected drug activity in our communities as part of the Operation Scorpion week of action.
“I’ve witnessed first-hand a drugs warrant in the Bournemouth area and also been part of the ‘ring of steel’ targeting vehicles on our road network making the South-West hostile to suspected drug users and dealers.
“I look forward to seeing the results of the week of action and I’d like to thank all the officers, staff and volunteers for their efforts on behalf of the people of Dorset.”
If you have concerns about drug use or county lines in your area you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111, or visit the Dorset Police website: www.dorset.police.uk – always call 999 if a crime is in progress.
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