Dorset Police has managed to disrupt 46 county lines drug gangs during August.

In addition, it carried out 33 safe and well checks, provided longer term protection to vulnerable people (including children) who have been impacted by county lines activity and arrested 12 people in relation the supply of Class A and Class B drugs, including one which related to coercing children into committing drug-related assaults.

Following extensive investigation work and a successful prosecution, two men have been convicted of supplying Class A drugs (crack cocaine and heroin) and are currently awaiting sentence.

Assistant chief constable Rachel Farrell said: “We continue to disrupt county lines to protect young people and safeguard those at risk.

“We work in collaboration with other forces and our partner agencies to disrupt the efforts of those suspected of being involved in county lines drugs operations and will relentlessly pursue all reports of criminality.

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

Police and crime commissioner, David Sidwick said: “One of the key priorities of my Police and Crime Plan is to deal with fighting violent crime and high harm – and that, of course, includes drugs, particularly the county lines gangs who bring heroin, crack cocaine and other substances from the big cities into our small towns and villages.

“I am delighted to witness county lines being tackled so robustly by our police force in Dorset – criminals should have no doubt that law enforcement agencies across the country are working together to drive them out of our community.”

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

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.