Over 100 individuals were arrested across the South West, including ten in Gloucestershire, during a large-scale police operation targeting drug trafficking and child criminal exploitation.
Last week’s Operation Scorpion, led by Gloucestershire Constabulary, saw 112 people arrested throughout the region. This joint effort involved all five South West police forces: Avon and Somerset, Devon and Cornwall, Gloucestershire, Wiltshire, and Dorset.
A key focus was combating child criminal exploitation—where criminals groom young people to commit crimes on their behalf. The operation brought together police forces, offices of Police and Crime Commissioners, the British Transport Police, and the South West Regional Organised Crime Unit (SW ROCU), pooling resources to disrupt drug supply chains and make the region increasingly hostile to organised crime.
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Enforcement tactics included arrest and search warrants, vehicle stops, and drone surveillance to track suspected dealers. The week-long coordinated activity led to the seizure of drugs, weapons, and cash, arrests of suspected dealers, and safeguarding of vulnerable individuals.
In Gloucestershire alone, ten arrests were made, with three charged. Authorities confiscated £9,754 in cash and one firearm, while also safeguarding two adults.
Across the entire South West, authorities seized £67,329 cash, 52 kilograms of cannabis—comprising 868 cannabis plants—three real guns, and five imitation firearms. Additionally, 48 vulnerable individuals were protected, including five children.
Police also used seized mobile phones to identify vulnerable persons, sending texts offering support services. Outreach extended into schools with educational talks addressing county lines and child criminal exploitation, providing guidance on recognizing risks and accessing help.
A targeted social media campaign on TikTok and Snapchat was launched to reach young people where they frequently engage online.
Gloucestershire Police Assistant Chief Constable Richard Ocone emphasized the importance of regional cooperation: “Organised crime groups do not respect county boundaries, which is why joint intelligence sharing and resource coordination are vital. This operation prioritized protecting children and communities affected by drugs, combining enforcement with education efforts.”
Regional Assistant Chief Constable Andy Hill of SW ROCU added, “This operation highlights our region’s commitment to disrupting organised crime groups profiting from drug supply while exploiting young people and damaging communities. Beyond seizures, our focus on education and community engagement is crucial for long-term success.”
Community members who suspect drug dealing or related suspicious activity are encouraged to report it anonymously through Crimestoppers or directly to the police online.