AVON and Somerset Police are joining South West counterparts in Operation Scorpion, a crackdown on drugs.

Five forces, Police and Crime Commissioners' offices, British Transport Police, South West Regional Organised Crime Unit and Crimestoppers are combining to tackle drug supply.

Phase 2 of Operation Scorpion focuses on the impact of drugs in communities and highlights the intelligence police need from the public to disrupt the drugs market, dismantle supply networks and arrest those profiting from them.

The work includes:

  • using tip offs to target and arrest drug offenders;
  • seizing illegal drugs and weapons;
  • working with partner agencies to support those vulnerable to exploitation and people involved in drug use;
  • educating young people and communities around exploitation and drug harm;
  • high visibility patrols to disrupt drug misuse;
  • tackling drug waste impacting communities.

Avon and Somerset Operation Scorpion lead Superintendent Steve Kendall said: “Patrols will be targeted to disrupt street-level drug crime and we'll be carrying out enforcement activities across the week, focusing on those profiteering from the damage and harm drugs bring to our communities, including drug-related violence, theft and criminal damage.

“We’ll be safeguarding vulnerable people who find themselves caught up in drug use and/or supply, through no fault of their own, working with a number of different partner agencies to help them access treatment and support.

"We’ll also be continuing our ongoing educational and preventative work to ensure that young people are aware of the signs of grooming and exploitation and how to get help if they need it.

“We’ll be asking the public to play their part in looking out for and reporting signs of drug activity in our neighbourhoods."

Avon and Somerset Police and Crime Commissioner Mark Shelford said: “We're committed to making the South West a safe place – a hostile environment for illegal drug use and exploitation.

"We seek to help those who may be vulnerable to exploitation and encourage those who live in our neighbourhoods to report any concerns they have around drug activity so we can work to prevent this from causing any harm to our communities.”

The first phase of Operation Scorpion in March saw:

  • 194 arrests for drugs-related offences;
  • 55 warrants executed;
  • 400 drug line disruptions;
  • £404,000 of suspected drugs and £131,000 cash seized;
  • 320 vulnerability/welfare checks and people safeguarded;
  • weapons seized.

Report information about illegal drugs activity via www.avonandsomerset.police.uk or 101 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or online.