Six local people suspected of drug dealing have been arrested as part of Dorset Police’s Operation Viper, which aims to disrupt county lines networks.

Searches were carried out at an address in Nutley Way in Bournemouth on Tuesday 1 November, as well as at a further address in Poole.

A large quantity of class A drugs were recovered in addition to cash and mobile phones.

Two Bournemouth men – aged 42 and 49 – and a 45-year-old woman from Bournemouth were arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of a class A drug. They have been released under investigation.

An 18-year-old man of no fixed abode and two further men from Bournemouth – aged 18 and 19 – were also arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of a class A drug. They have been released on police bail as the investigation into these offences continues.

Detective Inspector Jamie Halford, of Dorset Police, said: “Detectives from Dorset Police’s Serious Organised Crime Investigation Team (SOCIT) were supported by officers from the local neighbourhood policing team and our Neighbourhood Enforcement Team (NET) to conduct these searches and take positive action against those suspected of being involved.

“This is a further demonstration of our ongoing commitment to disrupt the efforts of those suspected of dealing class A drugs in our communities and relentlessly pursues those believed to be involved.

“We continue to urge members of the public to support our efforts by reporting any suspected drug-related activity to police. Please visit www.dorset.police.uk/contact, email 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk or call us via 101. If a crime is in progress, always dial 999.”