Two men have been charged as part of an operation to tackle suspected county lines drug dealers operating in Dorset.

The men were arrested at an address in Boscombe on Monday 16 May 2022 by officers from the Boscombe Neighbourhood Police Team. A quantity of suspected class A drugs was also seized from the address. The Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Neighbourhood Enforcement Team (NET) worked with specialist officers from the Metropolitan Police to progress the investigation.

The men, aged 20 and from London, have both been charged with two counts of being concerned in the supply of class A drugs and are due to appear at Poole Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday 18 May 2022.

Inspector Nick Lee, of the NET, said: “This was a fast-paced investigation, which saw us work with the Metropolitan Police to build a case to put forward to the Crown Prosecution Service, which authorised the charges in the early hours of Wednesday 18 May 2022. This case highlights the outstanding work neighbourhood teams are carrying out in our communities.

“We work in collaboration with other forces 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.”

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 and make the region a hostile place for those intent on dealing drugs and bringing misery on communities.

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.

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.