Proactive drugs operation identifies pair dealing in Weymouth
Two drug dealers who were stopped in Weymouth as part of a proactive operation cracking down on the supply of illegal drugs have been sentenced at court.
Reece Terry Hill-Baden, aged 21, and Clara Amanda Jade Kerridge, aged 34, both of Weymouth, were stopped in a black Mercedes in the area of Icen Way on the evening of Thursday 26 June 2025.
The stop was made following intelligence work by officers and took place during the Operation Scorpion regional week of intensification targeting drug supply in the South West.
During a search of the vehicle and occupants, officers located suspected illegal drugs – which were subsequently tested and found to be ketamine and MDMA – as well as cash and a number of mobile phones.
Further searches were conducted at addresses linked to the defendants and these uncovered further quantities of ketamine, MDMA and cash as well as cannabis and cocaine.
In total during the investigation officers seized illegal drugs with an estimated value of between £3,240 and £5,915 as well as more than £9,000 in cash.
A detailed examination of the mobile phones seized also revealed messages that appeared to be linked to the supply of drugs.
Hill-Baden subsequently admitted charges of possessing class A and class B drugs with intent to supply, being concerned in the supply of class A and class B drugs and possession of criminal property.
Kerridge admitted possessing class A and class B drugs with intent to supply as well as possessing criminal property.
Both defendants appeared at Bournemouth Crown Court on Thursday 19 March 2026. Hill-Baden received a total prison sentence of 28 months, with Kerridge receiving a two-year prison sentence, suspended for two years.
Detective Constable Lucy Johnson, of the Weymouth Safeguarding Hub, said: “We see all too often the detrimental impacts of the supply of illegal drugs on individuals and communities.
“Through proactive initiatives such as Operation Scorpion, we are focussing on disrupting the activities of those who are involved in the supply of these illegal drugs and making the whole region a hostile environment for dealers to operate in.
“As a result of this vehicle stop, we were able to identify two individuals who played a role in the drug supply chain in the Weymouth area and put a stop to their operation.”
Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner David Sidwick said: “This case demonstrates the ongoing success of Operation Scorpion, an initiative dedicated to robustly tackling illegal drugs and bringing those who supply them to justice.
“I want to thank everyone involved for their work in taking these illegal and dangerous substances off the streets and protecting Dorset’s communities from the harm they can cause.
“I would urge members of the public to contact Dorset Police if you see any suspicious activity and help us keep Dorset one of the safest places in the country.”
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