Dorset Police is one of five forces in the South West which will be taking part in phase three of Operation Scorpion which aims to disrupt the supply and use of drugs across the region.

In addition to the Avon and Somerset, Devon and Cornwall, Gloucestershire and Wiltshire forces, there will be collaboration from the respective offices of Police and Crime Commissioners, the British Transport Police, South West Regional Organised Crime Unit and the charity CrimeStoppers.

The focus of phase three is on tackling recreational drug use linked to the evening and night-time economy, its associated crime and the negative impact on communities.

Unlike the previous two phases, which ran as a week of action, the main operational activity for phase 3 will focus around three weekends. Each force will carry out their activity on one weekend, so there will be some overlap.

Phase two of the operation took place in July 2022 and focussed on drug supply within local communities and the associated anti-social behaviours. This resulted in:

127 arrests being made; 55 warrants carried out; 465 disruptions to drug lines in the region and 237 vulnerable children and adults were safeguarded.

In addition, approximately £638,000 worth of suspected drugs were seized (street value) as well as more than £180,000 of cash and a vast array of weapons including air rifles, knuckledusters and knives.