The warrants which were carried out in the Winton area on Friday 1 July 2022, enabled officers to seize a quantity of suspected class A and class B drugs, a large quantity of cash and various other drug dealing paraphernalia.

A 47-year-old man from the Bournemouth area was arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of class A drugs. Another man has been asked to attend a voluntary interview in relation to possession of drugs.

The Operation Viper initiative proactively targets and disrupts the activities of those believed to be drug dealing in the community.

Inspector Nick Lee, of the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Neighbourhood Enforcement Team, said: “County lines is the process criminal gangs use to move drugs from typically more urban areas of the country to more rural and coastal locations such as Dorset. They often involve preying on young or vulnerable people, taking over their homes as a base to sell the drugs – known as cuckooing.

“The Neighbourhood Enforcement Team works very closely with wider neighbourhood officers to tackle these reported crimes taking place. Today’s operation was held in partnership with Sovereign Housing Association, who were working alongside officers to tackle anti-social behaviour issues in the community.

“Our priority is to be tough on crime, keep people safe and put victims first.”

Multiple teams were involved including the Force Support Group, Neighbourhood Policing Team, Neighbourhood Enforcement Team, Dog Section and Crime Scene Investigators.

Assistant Chief Constable Rachel Farrell, of Dorset Police, said: “I am proud of the hard work displayed by our dedicated officers and staff this morning, tackling suspected criminality of this nature that causes such a concern for our communities.

“Enforcement operations such as today’s send a clear message to criminals looking to use Dorset that it won’t be tolerated and they should consider this a hostile place for their activities.”

The operation was part of a wider day of action, which saw officers from the Neighbourhood Policing Team targeting ongoing issues around anti-social behaviour in the local area and carrying out proactive stop searches linked to the enforcement activity.

Sergeant Paul Harding, of Bournemouth North Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “Alongside supporting colleagues with this morning’s warrant, our team have also been out tacking issues in the local area that we know are a big frustration to residents.

“We’ve dealt with numerous people for street drinking, begging, anti-social behaviour and other crimes and this positive activity will continue through further days of action.”

Police and Crime Commissioner David Sidwick, said: “I am investing heavily in the areas that the people of Dorset have told me are important to them, our residents and communities want to see enforcement and want to feel safe. County lines is an example of where drug dealing overlaps with exploitation of children and the vulnerable in Dorset – so I am delighted to see the results of Operation Viper today.

“Those targeted today didn’t expect to have quite such a ‘heavy knock’ at the door this morning and I want to thank all the officers and staff involved in making yet another important in-road into stopping suspected county lines in Dorset.

“This is exactly the type of action that I and the residents of Dorset want to see from our police force.”

If you have concerns about drug use or county lines in your area you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111, or visit the Dorset Police website: www.dorset.police.uk – always call 999 if a crime is in progress.