This month, Avon and Somerset Police have partnered with neighbouring forces to disrupt the supply of illegal drugs, in 'Operation Scorpion'.
The initiative, supported by Crimestoppers, set-aside force area boundaries to focus on the drugs market in the South West, leading - in Avon and Somerset alone - to the arrest of 64 people, 174 warrants and 178 visits and/or safeguarding checks to the addresses of vulnerable people.
Local police disrupted 5 known county lines and at least 350 incidents of the work of criminal gangs.
At least 44 educational visits two schools, youth clubs, colleges and Scouting groups were also conducted.
Avon and Somerset Police and Crime Commissioner Mark Shelford says, “The results from this collective action speak for themselves and show what can be achieved when a borderless approach to drugs enforcement is taken.
“By coming together collectively in this way, we send a strong message to criminals and those who exploit young and vulnerable people in Avon and Somerset that we will find you, we will follow you and we won’t stop until we’ve got you. The South West is no place for drugs.”
