A 49-year-old man arrested in Poole has been charged with two counts of possession with intent to supply class A drugs, possession of an offensive weapon in a public place, possession of a bladed article in a public place and obstructing a police officer.

The operation to tackle suspected county lines drug dealers was carried out by officers from the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Neighbourhood Enforcement Team (NET) working in partnership with officers from the Metropolitan Police.

Inspector Nick Lee, of the NET, said: “This is another example of successful partnership working with the Metropolitan Police and highlights the outstanding work neighbourhood teams are carrying out in our communities.

“Our persistent pursuit of those suspected of being involved in county lines drugs operations is working and we will continue to disrupt the activities of individuals and gangs believed to be dealing drugs in communities.

“I would encourage any members of the community to report their concerns to Dorset Police so we can investigate and take action.”

Operation Viper sees a dedicated team of police working alongside local neighbourhood policing teams to use intelligence and enforcement to tackle suspected county lines gangs.

The initiative aims to provide visibility, proactive enforcement and community engagement, as well as a dedicated County Lines Task Force, to disrupt incoming suspected drug networks.

It will also feed into the regional intelligence picture to prevent harm and drugs coming into the county from other cities around the country.

To report suspected drug dealing in your community, please contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk/contact, via email 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk or by calling 101. If a crime is in progress, please dial 999. Alternatively, independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling Freephone 0800 555 111.