As part of Operation Viper, Dorset Police failed to stop a vehicle in Bath Road at around 1.15pm on Monday 7 November. However, it was subsequently brought to a halt by officers from the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Neighbourhood Enforcement Team (NET) in the West Cliff area.

One of the occupants reportedly attempted to make off from the scene, before he was detained nearby. A second man was detained in the vehicle.

Officers carried out searches of the men and the vehicle and reportedly found a quantity of cash and mobile phones. The phones were alleged to contain messages indicating an involvement in the supply of class A drugs.

A 24-year-old man, of no fixed abode, and a 28-year-old Bournemouth man were arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of class A drugs and taking a motor vehicle without the owner’s consent. The 24-year-old man was also arrested on suspicion of driving offences.

Following enquiries, searches were carried out at an address in the Westbourne area and a quantity of suspected illegal drugs were recovered.

A 42-year-old Bournemouth man was arrested on suspicion of supplying class A and class B drugs.

All three men have been released under investigation as officers continue to make enquiries.

Sergeant Cameron Thompson, of the BCP NET, said: “Under Operation Viper, we have been supporting local policing teams in the continued efforts to tackle suspected county lines drugs gangs operating in our communities.

“Through our dynamic response to this incident on Monday 7 November, we have arrested three further suspects believed to be involved in the supply of illegal drugs.

“We will continue to do all we can to disrupt the activities of those suspected of being involved in the supply chain and we would urge members of the public to support these efforts by reporting any suspected drug-related activity to us.

“Contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk/contact or call us on 101. If a crime is in progress, always dial 999.”